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Equity and Social Justice Quarterly Update No. 2 (2023)

Equity and Social Justice Quarterly Update No. 2 (2023)

The RPCV Alliance for Ukraine is committed to equity and social justice as identified in organizational bylaws 2.3 and 3.1. During the first quarter of 2023, the RPCV Alliance for Ukraine worked to advance equity and social justice in the following ways. 

 

Equity and Social Justice Office Change 

At the beginning of 2023, Patty Deignan left her post as Equity and Social Justice Officer as her term ended. The new board voted Sharece M. Bunn as the new Equity and Social Justice Officer. 

 

Orgs in Solidarity 

The Alliance continues its membership with OrgsInSolidarity. When possible, a representative for the Alliance attends OrgsInSolidarity monthly membership meetings. Through OrgsInSolidarity, we now have access to an Ombudsperson if needed. OrgsInSolidarity has also created an impactful mentorship program which supports people of color in their professional journeys. 

 

DEI Surveys 

The Alliance promoted NPCA's DEI surveys through their newsletter and social media. The Equity and Social Justice Officer is also working to build a DEI-focused survey to better understand the identities of the Alliances's membership and members' interest in DEI initiatives for the future. 

 

Accountability 

During the March Membership Meeting for the Alliance, members were encouraged to share their pronouns, a small step that helps create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all and follows the guidance from the DEI Project Checklist created in December 2021. The Alliance plans to utilize the DEI Project Checklist for all online and in-person events moving forward. 

 

Equity and Social Justice Fund 

We are currently not accepting donations for the equity and social justice fund. The fund was initially created to support PCVs of color during their service in Ukraine. As in-person Peace Corps service is currently suspended, remaining funds were dispersed to the Global Black Coalition. Prior to accepting future donations to the equity and social justice fund, we hope to establish a DEI committee that may guide the work. 

 

RPCV Alliance members who are interested in volunteering to help advance equity and social justice on behalf of the RPCV Alliance for Ukraine are encouraged to contact the board by emailing allianceforukraine@gmail.com.