In 2020 we saw a global uprising against the systemic racism that has existed for centuries against Black, Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC). As co-operatives, we value principles such as open and voluntary membership and concern for community but the events last year forced us to hold a mirror to ourselves and consider if our co-ops truly reflect the communities that we serve and how much effort we have really put into addressing racial inequity. As co-ops, we are committed to listening, learning and speaking up about issues of racial inequity and we believe that there is strength in our united efforts.
On March 18th from 3:00 – 4:30 pm PST, the BCCA will host our next Co-op Innovation Series featuring an online panel of co-op leaders discussing how the events of 2020 impacted their members and staff and what action they have taken since then. The intention of this event is to be a forum for a collaborative conversation that will encourage and support co-ops of all types and sizes to take the next step regarding racial equity, diversity, and inclusion at their co-operative.