Before, After, and Beyond Charlottesville

A Message to Our Colleagues and Friends

At this critical moment in our shared history, we at RAFI reaffirm our commitment to stand with and fight for those who face injustice, exploitation, or discrimination. We condemn violence and intimidation, as most recently displayed in Charlottesville, Virginia and other cities across our country. We stand in solidarity with all people and organizations across the country that work to oppose bigotry and exploitation.

RAFI is dedicated to our vision of a world where “everyone who labors in agriculture is respected, protected, and valued by society.” We compromise this vision when we fail to address the underlying structures of injustice and oppression.

In recognition that racism and injustice are woven into the fabric of our country, we will continually reflect and take action to address these issues in our work, our organization and ourselves, and commit to continued learning and growth. We seek to build coalitions among all communities and with those who are most at risk to resist the forces that would divide us and stand together against discrimination and exploitation. The courage and sacrifice of those who came before us, and the beautiful potential of generations to come, demand nothing less.