"We have to have a low bar for entry and a high standard for conduct."
– Maurice Moe Mitchell
White people, you can and should get involved in social justice and racial equity work. You are welcome, needed, and appreciated.
But you can't be a dick. You can't center yourself. You can't act like you know what you don't know. You can't speak for other people – especially people of color. You can't take over conversations, hijack narratives, and usurp leadership roles from people who are closest to the pain.
We need you to be involved. And you must be grounded in curiosity, empathy, compassion, and an ability to grow. You must be willing to dismantle harmful belief systems, habits, and ways of navigating the world.
You must be humble, vulnerable, and teachable. You must be eager and enthusiastic about learning on your own time – relieving the burden of education from those who are most marginalized.
You must commit for the long haul, act with urgency, reflect regularly, and continually be evolving your consciousness.
You don't have to be perfect. You are allowed to make mistakes. And, you have to hold yourself accountable for your words, thoughts, and behaviors.
I am confident that you can accept the challenge, step up, and help drive the change that is desperately needed.