During the past few days, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has been contacted by an overwhelming number of school administrators, teachers, parents, business leaders, clergy, and nonprofit partners seeking our guidance and direction in the midst of increasing bullying, bias, and conflict. These incidents include name calling and harassment directed toward refugees, immigrants, Muslims, transgender people, African American and Latino people, and more.  Already,  the VCIC team has facilitated eight different workshops last week, and we are scheduled to lead another ten programs this week.

 

This election season spotlighted deep divisions and demonstrated a clear need for greater understanding, respect, and empathy.  No matter your political affiliation or preferred result in last week's Presidential election, we must all stand together now against these hurtful words and actions that target members of our community. 

More than ever before, people are seeking out the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities to provide expert counsel, facilitation, and resources.  Please click here to donate in support of Inclusive Communities' critical work.

 

It is going to take all of us, together, to achieve VCIC's vision of a Virginia where every person is included and where prejudice, intolerance, and fear of facing those issues don't stand in the way of success for our schools, businesses, and communities.

 

With gratitude,

 

Jonathan C. Zur

President & CEO