Working for Change in Solidarity

We are outraged, grief-filled, and heartbroken with the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, by Minneapolis Police on Memorial Day. The structural racism ingrained in the United States of America, including the nonprofit and financial sectors and institutions, must end. The lives and wellbeing of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) must be valued and prioritized. Meaningful change is needed systematically, it is underway, and Propel reiterates the need for urgency in dismantling white supremacy and lifting up Black lives.

We, Propel Nonprofits, are committed to ongoing and consistent action, including but not limited to:

• Learning from and amplifying the voices of Black and non-Black People of Color leaders who have and continue to clearly outline the steps needed to dismantle structural racism in our communities and sectors. BIPOC perspectives must be centered, BIPOC wisdom must be honored, and BIPOC leadership must be highlighted and supported. Propel Nonprofits will learn from and join with BIPOC leaders, using our influence to speak out when our voice will amplify the leaders’ messages.
• Leveraging our resources and experiences for change, rallying our networks to join with and stand alongside our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color partners to say structural racial inequity will no longer be tolerated, and advocating for changes in nonprofit and philanthropic systems that for decades have disinvested in and oppressed communities of color while investing in and increasing the wealth of white people.
• Examining and changing our own practices, procedures, and policies as we identify where we are perpetuating the structural racism and white supremacy that pervades the nonprofit, philanthropic and financial sectors. We invite you to hold us accountable to that commitment. We are certain there are opportunities for us to show up in anti-racist ways that are not currently in our awareness; we would appreciate your help. My contact information is 612.249.6696 or kbarr@propelnonprofits.org .
• Moving with urgency while practicing patience and persistence is something to which we are dedicated. We commit to both immediate actions as well as a long-term strategic approach toward the goal of advancing social justice and equity in our society by getting money and resources into the hands of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Meaningful change is needed, and progress toward it is mandatory.

It is our honor to support nonprofit organizations with guidance, expertise, and capital. We recommit to working for change that has been much too long in coming, so that finally there can be a more just and equitable community for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Minnesotans.