Committing to Change
As our country responds with anguish to the death of George Floyd, we are called to recognize not only the pain we feel now, but what it means for our future as a society. We must acknowledge the immense stress we are under. A pandemic, trenchant political divides, and racial prejudice have driven our communities beyond a boiling point. For our SRA students, this moment may represent one of disillusionment – or one that sadly confirms their lived experiences. This moment might make us feel helpless. The systems that drive inequality can appear insurmountable by any one individual, organization, or movement.
How will we help our SRA students to continue to believe in change?
- We will encourage our students to participate in civic discourse. Our students’ voices, lived experiences, and leadership will help make our communities more just for everyone. We’re asking our students what social justice looks like for them. Rather than finding “a seat at the table” economically and socially, we’re inviting them to help design the table to create a more equitable society. We help our students find empowerment. We want our students to recognize themselves as steady changemakers. We introduce them to the resources crucial for this journey. We learn from them and use our knowledge to advocate for policy change and reform. Most importantly, we work to inspire and equip them to advocate for themselves and their communities. We’re using SRA’s work to channel the distress in our society right now into growth and improvement of lives.
SRA Community Forum:
We hosted SRA Community Forum to address the racial, economic, and social inequities revealed and amplified by the crises of the past few months, and the resulting impact on our students and communities at large. We appreciate the community members who joined the conversation.
For those who were unable to attend the live Forum, we invite you to take the time to learn how SRA and our students are channeling our energy into growth and development of a more just and equal society, and how you, as partners in this work, can participate.
Watch:
We would like to give an enormous thank you to our incredible and thoughtful panelists:
SRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Devaney, and SRA Board of Directors members Julius Robinson, Managing Director, Corporate Social Responsibility for the Americas, Union Bank, and Diana Campoamor, Founder of Nuestra America Fund and President Emeritus, Hispanics in Philanthropy and SRA Alum Zaria Clemmons, Diversity Engagement Specialist.
At Students Rising Above, we are passionate about equity and justice and have an unwavering belief in the potential of our students. The SRA community is dedicated to impacting the future through the cultivation of extraordinary youth. We will continue to guide and support students through college graduation, into the workforce, and beyond. Our graduates are breaking the cycle of poverty within their own families, serving their communities, providing a new generation of employees and leaders from diverse backgrounds, and accelerating positive change.
Get Involved: https://studentsrisingabove.org/join-us/
Contribute to SRA: http://bit.ly/donateSRA
This is a time in our nation’s history when your presence, participation, and partnership is needed most.