WREN Anti-Racist Working Group Update
by WREN Board and Staff on Jan 11, 2022
In the Fall of 2021, we asked you, our network, to complete a survey about your experiences with WREN and our work to build an inclusive movement to advance the health, economic well-being, and rights of South Carolina’s women, girls, gender expansive people, and their families. Thank you to all of you who submitted responses to help support WREN’s accountability in becoming an anti-racist organization. We heard you, and we will use your feedback to guide our continued growth.
We echo the sentiments of WREN friend and new member of the Board, Nichelle Harrison when she said, “Unfortunately, there are no ‘quick fix solutions’ for the societal issues we face. The Anti Racist Working Group will continue this journey with thoughtful intention, commitment, and respect for the individual internal complexities that shape each of us. It is our hope that through this work we can not only grow stronger as a community, but personally along the way. Thank you for your continued support and please know that your input and participation matters to each of us.”
If you took the survey and are willing to continue offering feedback to us, please reach out to us at info@scwren.org.
What we Learned
Although respondents are unfamiliar with the details of WREN’s culture and decision-making processes, most are aware that WREN is working on anti-racist strategizes utilizing an anti-racist working group that consists of volunteers from WREN’s board and staff.
The overarching perception is that WREN best represents, values, and supports white, cisgender identities, followed closely by Black and LGBTQ+ communities. The least represented identities are Indigenous, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Latin/a/x/e, and Rural communities. Respondents report that WREN events are accessible to people with disabilities most of the time and not as accessible to Spanish-speaking communities.
It is clear to us that we have more work to do to uplift, amplify, and support Indigenous, AAPI, rural, Black, LGBTQ+, Latin/a/x/e, and Spanish-speaking communities, as well as working people and those living below subsistence. We will more intentionally reach out to the communities who feel the least represented by WREN, offering opportunities to request translation services, and removing financial barriers to accessing our programs. Your input will help us measure our progress on these goals, so please help us stay accountable by offering feedback. You can reach out to us on our social media platforms (Instagram and Twitter: @WRENetwork; Facebook) or email us at info@scwren.org.