Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
We are led by the way of Jesus, inspired by the work of civil rights activist and Episcopal priest Pauli Murray, and challenged by the witness of Margaret Johnson, our founder, who was generous, a lifelong learner, and committed to the development of young people. We share an unwavering commitment to empower and respect persons of all races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, religions, and backgrounds. We believe we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. As such, we seek to amplify the diverse representation in our Board, staff, Corps members, and mentors and amplify the voices of people of color and women. We seek work and engagement in the diverse communities where our mission may be put into action. We are always learning, evolving, and growing as an organization. We pray that this foundation forms our Corps members to serve and lead with love in a diverse world.
Statement on Racial Injustice
Approved on June 16, 2020 by the Johnson Service Corps Board of Directors
We stand with those who are protesting the deep, systemic racial injustice in the United States, as reflected most recently in the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, and Ahmaud Arbery. We acknowledge the centuries of pain, suffering and anger that inspires the protests, and we condemn the manifestations of white supremacy that have created, and continue to support, an unjust society. We affirm that Black Lives Matter in this age and in every age. In our work to form servant leaders for a more compassionate, just and peaceful world, we vow to continue listening deeply and learn from those whose voices have been suppressed. We are thankful for the voice of truth that is emerging from unrest, and we are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with our many partners to effect societal change.
Servant leadership teaches us that the inward journey of reflection and self-assessment is just as important as the outward work for justice and equity. Therefore, we commit today to a process of self-reflection, initiating conversation and listening deeply with our many partners: Corps Members, Staff, Board Members, Partner Organizations, and community members. Collaboration takes time, but we eagerly anticipate learning from this process the ways we may adapt the JSC program to more fully live into our mission to develop the young adult servant leaders that are so needed today.