a reflective journal about social action from JustDane
THE NEXT 50 YEARS BY LINDA KETCHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends: JustDane’s 50th anniversary is a big one, so it’s tempting to spend this year reflecting on our past and all we’ve accomplished toward our founder’s goal of “planting seeds of social change.” But I recently glanced through our original Articles of Incorporation filed on May 8, 1973. Under Article 2 it says: “The period of existence shall be: Perpetual.” That word “perpetual” conveys the clear intent of our founders, that we are to continue to move forward. Throughout the next year we will be celebrating. We’ll be acknowledging all our work: past, present, and future. Reflecting on 50 years, we recognize that our roots run deep in our community. We have nurtured seeds that grew. As we look to the future, we commit to being that “perpetual” force for justice and equity that our founders envisioned. Carrying our work forward, we have engaged deeply in a strategic planning process with the late Dr. Amy Gannon, with Becca Bryant of Urban Root Creative, and with Fritz Grutzner of Brandgarten, to update our mission to reflect both our history and our future: “JustDane helps transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community.” We have clearly stated our organizational values based on a vision for our future: Inclusion, Compassion, Forgiveness and Courage. JustDane is on a journey to become an inclusive organization. This means we make space at the table for people with lived experience in the areas of justice involvement, recovery, and housing insecurity, for people of color, for immigrants, for the LGBTQIA community. The seats at our table are seats with a voice, a vote, and influence. We have developed and implemented policies, procedures and practices that strive to create an inclusive workplace and initiatives. This is our ongoing work, both internally, and as a presence in our community. We haven’t always done this work perfectly, but we commit to continue the effort. This is part of the perpetual nature of our organization: learning, growing, and doing better.
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Winter 2023