6/9/20: Statement from Camp Leo + ConnecT1D
Black lives matter. Camp Leo + ConnecT1D stands in solidarity with the Black community against historical and present systemic racism, violence and hate. #BlackLivesMatter
At Camp Leo + ConnecT1D, we are united by a mission rooted in the power of community. We are an organization created by and for people impacted by Type 1 diabetes, a chronic disease. We believe that social support is a vital aspect of individual and community health. And, until there is a cure, we will work to foster community through uplifting experiences for people living with our disease.
Today, we affirm our commitment to community health by condemning racial injustice and pledging to help eradicate racism in all its forms.
The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and all acts of racism that target the Black community, are devastating and unacceptable symptoms of a public health crisis that has tormented families and communities for far too long. We know that many members of our own community are hurting. We hear you. We stand with you.
We must do our part to rid our community of this racism and social injustice. We must listen. We must learn to recognize racism where it exists and to speak out as an organization. We must do more to foster inclusion in all areas of our leadership and programming. We must take actions to identify and reduce inequities within our healthcare system. We must do better.
We are united by a mission rooted in the power of community. We must act.
Camp Leo + ConnecT1D is made up of many wonderful people with strength, conviction and dedication to supporting each other and the community, and we encourage all to use your voices and do what you can to affect change. As an organization, with your help, we intend to continue the dialogue and work towards a better organization and community.
Please check back to this page in the future for additional ways that Camp Leo + ConnecT1D is taking a stand against racism and contributing to change.
2021 Update:
Camp Leo + ConnecT1D embraces and promotes diversity and inclusion. Our programs welcome all individuals irrespective of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We seek to cultivate an atmosphere for all participants and staff that encourages, values, respects, and appreciates individual differences, and we do not sanction or tolerate any form of stigma, prejudice, discrimination, or exclusion. With this as our foundation, we seek to provide supports that enhance knowledge and incorporate an understanding of diversity so that everyone may flourish and thrive.
As we continue to make diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) a priority, we are considering many action steps that will help us reach our goals. For example, we are requiring all of our program planning committees to review the programs and how we can increase DEI when putting together our programs for the community. These committees will be considering accessibility (transportation and technology), outreach, program content, and materials (marketing and program materials) to ensure that all programs live up to our commitment to serve the entire T1D community. We are also addressing DEI in all of our staff training.
In addition, we are working hard to connect with all individuals living with T1D, and their supports, so that our program staff and participants are truly reflective of the entire community. We are working to update our website and promotional materials so that those who speak other languages, starting with Spanish, are more easily able to connect with us for programs and support. We are also broadening our efforts to distribute materials to providers, clinics and community organizations in underserved communities, so that people of all backgrounds are aware of the programs and services we offer.
And, we renew our ongoing commitment that no one will be turned away from our programs for financial reasons. Through the support of many generous individuals, grant-makers, and community organizations (such as the Lions Clubs of Western Washington), Camp Leo + ConnecT1D provides scholarships to any individuals with a financial need, so that all can attend and experience our programs. If you have any questions about financial assistance, please email our Registrar.
These are just a few of the steps Camp Leo + ConnecT1D is taking to embrace and promote diversity and inclusion. We look forward to continuing this important dialogue with our community.
