The Pennsylvania Downtown Center continues to be committed to being an active listener in our communities and to do our part to bring about change.* We believe that our downtowns and neighborhoods need to be safe places for all to be – to live, to gather, to worship, to celebrate.
Change – or true transformative change, occurs when there is a shift in one’s perspective, a shift in attitude, and a shift in behavior. Consider asking yourself and your organization: Are we as community leaders leading by example and supporting and encouraging change? What are we doing so that the change that does occur is: healthy, inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming? What is our legacy to the younger generations – how are we leaving our neighborhoods, our communities, and our world, better than how we found them? What are those issues in our own community that have been divided – whether by the political spectrum or by other varying opinions and viewpoints?
As community nonprofit organizations we can all work to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. Is your board reflective and representative of your community? Do you provide a platform for all community members? Does everyone have an opportunity to have a seat at the table? Do your MBE/person-of-color-owned businesses have access to fair and equitable working capital and contracts? Are our neighborhoods equitable for all? These are areas that PA Downtown Center is committed to working harder with you to create a more lasting and meaningful impact.
“Remember, nobody is voiceless. They are just unheard.” – www.grassrootslaw.org
*At the November 2019 Pennsylvania Downtown Center board meeting, the board approved moving forward with developing a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement for the organization. Following the lead of the National Main Street Center, PDC intends to use this time as an opportunity for critical analysis and refection on the role PDC can play in advancing these values. Main Street is a place for all. It is a gathering place where we can all come together to celebrate, honor, grieve, and demonstrate. It is a safe place, a sacred place – a special place. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, please contact me at juliefitzpatrick@padowntown.org.
WHERE TO REPORT OR DOCUMENT INCIDENTS OF HATE CRIMES, HARASSMENT, OR DISCRIMINATION
DIALOGUE AND TEACHING RESOURCES
- CDC Guidance on Reducing Stigma Around COVID-19
- Teaching Tolerance: How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism
- Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- Show Up, Your Guide to Bystander Intervention
- Asian American Advancing Justice – April 2021 Trainings on How to Respond to Harassment for People Experiencing Anti-Asian/American Harassment
- Ascend COVID 5-Point Action Agenda
TIPS FOR COPING AND CARE
For additional anti-racism resources visit, mainstreet.org/mainstreetsareforeveryone and Anti-Asian Violence Resources.
