Compassion, Community, Optimism, Respect, and Excellence…. These are the organizational values of SAFe Rescue. As we witness the tragic inequity and violence experienced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in our community and across the nation, we have been dedicating time to reflect on and discuss how these core values guide our work, both with animals and the people who love them, and how they can help inform and inspire our actions as we work to reduce the effects of systemic racism and implicit bias within our organization and animal welfare.
SAFe Rescue’s operations were designed to promote inclusive and equitable adoption practices, but we acknowledge that implicit bias and lack of representation still impact the experiences of our adopters, volunteers and fosters and our community.
Internally, we recognize that we have work to do to include more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in our staff, in our leadership committees and in the animal welfare field.
Externally, we commit to be a stronger voice in the animal welfare field for antiracist practices, policies, and programs.
SAFe Rescue is in the process of convening a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to help guide this work and ensure that we keep these important issues at the forefront. We are looking for advisors and committee members. If you would like more information about this committee, are interested in serving, or would like to nominate a fellow cat lover who would welcome the opportunity to bring their perspective to this conversation, please email DEI@seattleareafelinerescue.org.
We look forward to engaging you, our wonderful, caring community in further discussion about these important issues and this continued work.
