Solidarity with Black Lives Matter
Our Social Media Statement
Black Lives Matter. We stand in solidarity with the Black community to unequivocally condemn the violence and injustice of systemic racism and discrimination. As mountain professionals, we work to promote access to the outdoors for all people, without threat of violence, discrimination, diminution of values and customs, or disrespect. Anti-blackness and marginalization of people of color has no place in the outdoors, or anywhere.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have unfolded around the country sparking justified protests in recent days. To those who are suffering right now, we see you, we hear you, and we are listening.
We recognize that issues of inequality, and barriers to access, exist in our communities as well. We have been working to break down some of those barriers, but now, more than ever, we realize we need to do more. We need to be better informed. We need to be better allies.
In the days ahead, we will educate ourselves and our members, using our platforms to direct our community toward action, and engaging in conversations with our partners. We are learning, and we have a long way to go, but we are committed to doing our part to stop racial injustice and promote equal access for all.
We stand in solidarity with the Black community. We are actively learning, listening and engaging with feedback from our community and beyond to understand how we can take the best course of action. We embrace the likelihood of not getting it right the first or second time. We embrace being uncomfortable, making mistakes and losing support of some who do not agree with our stance. To our Black members, we see you, we hear you, and we are listening.
We stand for and uphold our AMGA Code of Ethics, holding ourselves and each other accountable to address discrimination and injustice. These basic civil liberties are the right of every individual in our community yet Black people have historically been denied these rights. Any disregard of these rights must be viewed as the very foundation of the problem of systemic injustices and discriminations that we seek to dismantle. The staff and leadership of the AMGA cannot create change alone. Our membership must hold each other accountable and not tolerate anti-Blackness and racism in any form. It is time to check our entitlements, our privileges and engage in positive change.
We stand with George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless other victims of racism and unspeakable atrocities against Black lives that have taken place since they were taken from their ancestral lands and enslaved.
As part of the AMGA Strategic Plan we have made a commitment to increased diversity, inclusion and equity work at the AMGA and are actively listening, learning and striving to develop these core values in our organization. We commit to try harder, listen more, assume less, and risk being uncomfortable. We will strive to provide our community with resources to navigate these conversations. We ask for patience and constructive feedback as we learn together.
In the next few days we will be sharing webinar information for opportunities to learn, engage in dialogue and answer your questions whether that’s “What can I do”, “Why is this relevant to my profession?”, or “How can I get more involved?”
In the meantime these resources may help support you:
- ENGAGE: have difficult conversations with your family and friends about what is happening and how you can show up.
- DONATE: there are many folks putting their bodies on the frontlines who could use your financial support for bail or organizational support.
- LISTEN: listen and take the lead of Black people. In that same vein, don’t ask them to do work for free.
- LEARN: Here are some books you can read, highly recommend The New Jim Crow.
- FOLLOW: The Movement for Black Lives Matter. Text PLEDGE to 90975 for Updates.
- DISMANTLE: White Allyship 101
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
