On April 20, 2021, former police officer Derrek Chauvin, was held accountable for the murder of George Floyd. And, at the same time, our community is reeling from the killings of more Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and the continued acts of violence across our nation.
The verdict in the Chauvin trial does not erase or alleviate the loss or heal the pain felt by the families and friends of those killed or by the community as a whole.
Black, Indigenous, and people of colors’ lived experiences and calls for justice and equity are not new. This is not solely about the criminal justice system. It is just the beginning of the very difficult work of dismantling systemic racism that has created and perpetuated these injustices and inequities.
This work must extend across all sectors recognizing how our systems and institutions intersect – education, healthcare, economic support, public policy, and more – compounding the inequitable allocation of power and resources.
Alexandra House’s mission is to empower victims of domestic and sexual violence, and inspire social change, through education, support and advocacy with a vision of a world where women, children, and men are free from violence. Alexandra House’s work is centered in ending violence and oppression.
In our Core Values, we state: Our social change work and program services are victim-centered, driven by the needs, strengths, and voices of victims/survivors. We respect differences; relating to individuals as individuals within an awareness of the influence of culture; genuine commitment to serve the individual needs; and commitment to continuously learning about the cultures of others and how culture influences each of us and our work together.
Our strategic plan identifies strategies we are implementing to enhance organizational effectiveness, including “Embedding cultural responsiveness, trauma-sensitive practices, and anti-oppression work though-out the organization.”
In early 2020, we began a formal organizational assessment and analysis that includes collective internal dialogue, review of internal systems, work culture, and policies with the goal to build capacity and develop necessary strategies toward a deepened awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Alexandra House acknowledges this is a continuous journey as we strive to build a more equitable and inclusive culture within our agency, engage in more effective social change work and, ensure we are a welcoming and trusted resource to all who may need our services.
Alexandra House board and staff are committed to this work and to making needed changes. We are committed to listening to the voices of and supporting the leadership of those communities most marginalized by systemic inequities and injustices.
