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Community Means Everybody
Starting in June 2020 with the Board of Governor’s Statement for Racial Justice, The Community Foundation launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative. This new work will be comprehensive and includes a new dedicated board committee, a designated fund, collaboration with regional nonprofits and leaders and much more. The foundation is taking action to ensure we mobilize people, ideas and investments for a thriving, equitable and connected region.
Ray Slaughter
"The establishment of a fund to promote diversity and racial justice is a reaffirmation of The Community Foundation’s commitment to improve the lives of every citizen in the Rappahannock region and to remove any biases within the foundation. Although racism and racial injustice will not be eliminated in my lifetime, this fund could potentially provide the resources to significantly reduce the negative effect of racism and over time change the hearts and minds of the people who do not understand or appreciate the value of diversity or the negative impact of racism."
Ray Slaughter, Board Member
Michele Mansouri
Our Community Foundation Statement on Racial Justice is clear. Now is the time to listen, to learn and to act so we can ensure The Community Foundation is a positive force for diversity, equity and inclusion in our region. These issues are important to me personally and I’m honored to help lead the foundation while we launch the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative and new fund.
When we reflect back on 2020, this initiative will serve as a bright light, reminding us of the strength and hope that lies within our community during even our darkest times.
Michele Mansouri, Board President
By advancing philanthropy, The Community Foundation advocates for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region. We truly serve this mission when we work to ensure that everybody has access to the things that make our region exceptional. Creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community is essential to preserving and growing the quality of life in our region.
Infusing our work with these principles will help us fulfill our mission and achieve our vision. Opportunities, power and resources should be equitably accessible to everyone – especially communities of color, and particularly Black and under-resourced communities.