In the wake of traumatic events in the world, organizations are often called on by staff, the Board, or community members to make statements of solidarity. At the same time, organizations are facing intense criticism for making a statement, not making a statement, or not doing enough to change the situation, with or without a statement.
The tools in this collection can support organizations create guidelines, systems, or practices in advance of the need to make a statement. This might include deciding on when you will make a public statement, setting out what additional steps you might take (accountability), and helping you clarify the decision-making process. Fundamentally, these guidelines will help you have a more structured and focused conversation that may bring you closer to alignment with your values.
In this collection there is:
- A comprehensive worksheet to help your organization have a deeper discussion on if, how, or when you will engage. The information builds off the great article by Resource Media on their process for making public statements.
- A sample decision matrix with structured scoring to help compare similar decisions.
- A quick screening tool to help decide if more conversation is needed and with whom.
For more information on writing a solidarity statement or for examples, take a look at Solidarity Is and Building a Movement Project’s tool. For ideas on how to ensure your statement isn’t simply performative, see the Avarna Group’s article from 2020.
More Helpful Collections:
Resources in this Collection
Deciding Whether to Make a Public Statement: Worksheet
This worksheet helps organizations thoughtfully decide whether to issue a public statement or take an action in response to a public event or crisis.
Public Statement Decision Matrix
This matrix can be used to help you decide whether or not your organization should issue a public statement.
5Rs External DEI Responsiveness Screen
As you become a more inclusive organization and strengthen diverse community connections, you may find yourself called to take action on issues that are unprecedented for your group. This screen can help your group decide on what your organization is prepared to responsibly say and do. Plan to take 30-60 minutes to work through the screen.