Racism has no place in a just, loving world. The recent killing of George Floyd and senseless acts of violence against many other Black Americans, underscore the shameful history of structural, systemic racism in our country. Cat Adoption Team believes Black Lives Matter.
Respect for all people is a core value of our organization and our work. Yet we are not experts in anti-racism and have a long way to go to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion — not only at Cat Adoption Team but within the animal welfare industry as a whole.
Cat Adoption Team serves as a safe haven for cats in need. As much as we work to create a space where all people are welcome, respected, and safe, we recognize that we have been slow in openly and actively pursuing that goal as it relates to racism and other forms of bias. We are committed to listening, learning, and doing better.
We are engaging in conversation now to determine additional, meaningful action that we can implement to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cat Adoption Team. We know this process is – and will be – ongoing. We promise to be transparent in our efforts and ask our CAT family to help hold us accountable.
Today we don’t have all the answers, but we commit to be stronger allies. If you have helpful information or resources to share, please reach out to us at [email protected].
– Karen Green, Executive Director & Sandi Martin, Board President
