A Message from Geoff Hall and Wayside's Board of Directors
 

The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the world-wide reactions to their deaths over the past few weeks have highlighted the racial inequities in our society and the struggles of our black citizens against continuing bias and discrimination. The demonstrations triggered by George Floyd's death acknowledge these struggles and we cannot ignore the inequities that divide our country. Simply put, black lives matter.

Wayside Waifs has been a refuge for homeless animals in need of shelter, love, and recovery for 76 years. We suspect that many of you feel the same way about our special community as we collectively find support and encouragement from each other during these very uncertain and challenging times. While it is important to continue to support each other, it is also crucial that we reflect upon the role we play as individuals and as an organization to address racial inequities. 

We strongly condemn any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual/identity, or any other characteristics. We also know that we can and must do more to create an environment where all people are respected and welcomed into the Wayside Village. 

In order to make lasting change, we must begin by listening. We encourage you to send us your thoughts and suggestions on how Wayside Waifs can be a more inclusive and welcoming organization. The Wayside Executive Team is actively seeking diversity and inclusiveness training resources to share with the Wayside Village to begin to inform the changes we need to make and then we need to act. We will be reviewing all of our organization's policies, guidelines, and resources on diversity and inclusiveness to ensure we become the organization we want and need to be. 

We're proud of our team and community and greatly desire that we come together to fight injustice and suffering everywhere. Our nation needs healing now and we must be committed to making necessary changes in our hearts and minds for the benefit of all.

In Solidarity,

Geoff Hall, President

The Wayside Waifs' Board of Directors