Racism has no place in our society.
We are at an inflection point in our local and national conversations about the impacts of systemic racism, and about finding the remedies needed to move forward. The Arboretum Foundation condemns racist behavior and systems that undermine the humanity and rights of Black people and other racial and ethnic minorities in America.
The Arboretum is a place where people come to reflect, to be inspired, to celebrate or to grieve, to observe changes in the natural world—and perhaps in the process, be changed themselves. To this end, the Foundation has a specific charge to ensure that we help steward a welcoming and safe nature-based haven for all in our community.
Like many of you, we realize the importance of taking this opportunity to listen and to learn. As Maya Angelou said, “Then when you know better, do better.” Racial injustice has been intertwined in the fabric of our society for more than 400 years, and rooting it out will require an enormous amount of honest reflection and introspective work.
So how do we move forward? How do we achieve substantive change during this inflection point? Within our own systems, the Arboretum Foundation board and staff are committed to reexamining our organization—evaluating our hiring and recruiting processes, broadening our volunteer outreach, creatively funding increased access to the Arboretum’s environmental education and cultural programs, and identifying and addressing other barriers and inequities.
The Foundation will also leverage its voice within our networks—through our partnerships at the Arboretum, with industry associations, and with Seattle-based arts, culture and science organizations. Together, we touch many people in our community and beyond. We each must use our voice when it comes to determining the future direction of our society.
In solidarity,
Arboretum Foundation Board & Staff
