Our Statement on Race and Equity

On The Move affirms that Black Lives Matter and stands with all who are speaking out against institutional racism, police brutality, and double standards that support white supremacy. We condemn systemic racism, work to denounce daily oppressions experienced by People of Color, and work to expose hypocritical practices that allowed for the recent insurrection at the US Capitol building. On The Move strongly opposes all state-sanctioned, anti-Black violence that led to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Andy Lopez, Sean Monterrosa, and many other Black and Brown people in the United States. 

We recognize this is a historic moment in the ongoing fight against racism and anti-Black biases and ideas that have negatively impacted Black and Brown lives but also the lives of all Americans. We recognize that any organization or institution that aims to uplift community and promote equality must include a racial justice analysis and anti-racist intention. We recognize that the urgency of this time can and should affect and change us. And we recognize that the time for focused action is now.

On The Move’s mission is to partner with communities and mobilize emerging leaders to take action in pursuit of social equity. Our initiatives include On The Verge, VOICES Youth Programs,Neighborhood Initiative, LGBTQ Connection, Innovations Community Center, Napa County Recovery Center and La Plaza. Each of our programs focus on removing barriers and opening opportunities for communities that have been disproportionately impacted by systemic oppression in institutions. We equip staff and participants of our programs, who are emerging and non-traditional leaders, with tools for personal, interpersonal, and professional development. Our staff are encouraged to think about how their leadership will contribute to the changes that need to happen in society. We believe that in order for us to see the changes we want to see in the world, leaders will need to navigate the complexities of racial justice work and adjacent movements for social justice and equality taking place both near and far.

We are committed to taking steps to dismantle white supremacy within our organization. This includes how we train staff and participants, how we run a non-profit, how we partner with other organizations, how we interact with local institutions and funders and ensuring that our white staff understand the role they play in promoting a white supremist culture. We will not underestimate the depth and complexity of the questions involved. Yet our core distinctives of taking risk, being real, and pursuing authentic relationships serve as our guideposts as we hold conversations, revise policies, and shift budgets to be more equitable and just. 

In this time of crisis, where we are confronted with a quadruple threat - COVID-19, devastating fires, political division, and racial unrest- our young people are hurting. Our staff is hurting. We stand with our staff who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and are committed to creating spaces where our staff and community members feel their race and culture are acknowledged, accepted, and celebrated.