June 2020 Update

Dear members and friends,

As I prepare this monthly message to you, first and foremost on my mind is the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police, and the expressions of outrage it has sparked against racism and inequality in our country. I am inspired by the thousands of people here in Seattle and across our nation who are peacefully protesting and demanding change.

It is difficult to witness trauma and suffering whether it is in our partners’ countries or here at home. Yet we cannot ignore the reality of what Black Americans experience every day in our country due to both overt and institutional racism. It calls us to action.

As I think about what I can do as an individual to be part of the change here at home, I reflect on Pangea’s approach to addressing global change. Our core value of developing trusting, transparent and supportive relationships as the basis for a productive partnership is a helpful starting point. How do we put this into action?

We listen

Just as we listen deeply to our partners, we can respectively listen to our Black leaders, friends, neighbors and colleagues so that we can strengthen our understanding of their experiences and the injustices they face.

We educate ourselves

While we listen to our partners, we don’t expect them to teach us everything we need to know about the challenges they are experiencing. Just as we take responsibility for educating ourselves about topics such global climate change, indigenous peoples’ rights or FGM, we can take responsibility to increase our understanding of systemic racism and white privilege.

We take action

Just as we support our partners to reach their goals through funding, networking and technical assistance, we can give our time, energy and financial support to organizations that are making an impact here at home. As an organization, we believe that lasting change is built from the ground up. And we know that although we don’t have the answers, we can be part of the solution.

As we continue our work globally through Pangea, please join me in working locally to end systemic oppression and violence toward Black, Indigenous and all People of Color in our community. I know that many of you are already involved in this effort and I salute you for your commitment.

I will close with a wish for you to stay safe and healthy, and continue to guard against the spread of COVID-19. But will also end with what is so important to state clearly: Black Lives Matter.

Sincerely,

Janet Pearson
Board President, Pangea Giving