A Message From JLS Leadership

 

Dear members,

The past few weeks have been heavy, not just because of the global pandemic we are living in, but because of the news of another senseless killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd. This event was tragic, horrifying and wrong.

Racism, violence and injustice continue to affect the communities we live in each day. We have all watched the hurt and anger on display across the country and we have watched cities, including our own, rise up in response to injustice.

As Junior League leaders, we cannot stay silent and sit on the sidelines watching as our community feels the heaviness of grief. As an organization that believes in building better communities and strives for leadership excellence, many of us have asked what we can do.

It is time we all take action and become more aware, more educated and more prepared to take a stance in the conversation of change. We must do the work. We must be willing to be humbled, humiliated and vulnerable. We must speak out and we must be visible. We must know when to listen, and equally important, when to speak up.

Our commitment to equity and inclusion is as important as ever. We are stronger together when we live our values in diversity, community, respect and service. This is only the beginning of what will be a long and difficult conversation of action and change to create a safer community that values human dignity, but know The Junior League of Springfield denounces racism in all forms and is grieving alongside all of you.

For members looking to educate themselves and become engaged, here are some resources:

To speak to someone about our League’s efforts you may reach out to our Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce Chair, Allison Robertson.

United together,
Nikki Holden, 2019-20 President
Courtney Hayes, 2020-21 President
Allison Robertson, 2021-22 President

Rachel Fuhrman, 2019-20 Management Director
Mary Bozarth, 2020-21 Management Director
Brandi Delleville, 2021-22 Management Director