Alternatives For Girls statement on impact of Charlottesville on our participants, and human services sector response - Alternatives For Girls

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Alternatives For Girls statement on impact of Charlottesville on our participants, and human services sector response

Aug. 17 2017

We at Alternatives For Girls are, of course, horrified by the events in Charlottesville. We reject and condemn white supremacy and all forms of bigotry and racial injustice. We believe that the human services sector has an important role to play in eliminating inequality and promoting democracy.

Today, we renew our long-term commitment to help create and strengthen opportunities for the voices of homeless and high-risk girls and young women to be heard and respected at all levels, including within their personal lives, the metro Detroit community, and beyond. By using the platforms we endeavor to provide, we hope and believe that the women and girls we serve will positively influence public and social policy, such that equal opportunity becomes available to all.

Alternatives For Girls acknowledges the local and personal impact recent national events have had on our participants, and in particular, our youth. Thus, we are committed to provide opportunities and support for those girls and young women who choose to engage in community reflection and action, and lift their voices in response to the atrocities that took place in Charlottesville this past weekend.   Our participants are uniquely positioned to provide context and add to the conversations that we must have in this country about race relations, bigotry and the importance of equality, given that most of them have lived with economic instability, and endured—and are overcoming—severe life challenges that most people will never experience or completely appreciate.

At this critical moment in our nation’s history, Alternatives For Girls wants to ensure that girls and young women embrace the challenges and opportunities before them so they can help raise awareness, think critically and independently, and continue their growth toward becoming active and engaged citizens, using their voices and growing their leadership skills. It is only with unity that we can overcome the fear and dangers generated by the rhetoric and actions of racist groups. We are confident that AFG’s participants will contribute toward this vital goal.

Finally, we recognize that many in our AFG family, including our staff, participants, donors, and volunteers, are grieving, speaking out, and standing up to hatred. We are honored to stand together with you!

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