A Call for Change
Dear GRP Family and Community,
We are a community of strong values rooted in the natural world. We are a place of respect. This is central to our mission, the community we create, the connections we cultivate with the natural world, and our interactions with one another. We begin each program here with a Respect Circle where we talk about how respect links all our values to action. This is evident in the ways in which we treat ourselves, our environment, other living things, and each other. In times when we find that we have not fulfilled this commitment of respect, we gather again to accept responsibility, recommit to growth and to taking better care of one other.
Respect is the central tenet that guides all relationships here on the Preserve.
After reflecting on the events of this season, we recognize the need to reconvene the respect circle; we see opportunities to recommit to a culture of deep respect and greater responsiveness. We also recognize the role that Green River Preserve has played, directly and indirectly, in perpetuating discrimination. We see this in our operations, recruitment, and in our programming. As a community of mentors, counselors, campers, expeditioners, and leaders, we strive for transformation- we want to learn, grow, teach, and share in the creation of a just community. Now is the time to work harder to strengthen our commitment to deep respect of the people and world around us.
As an organization, GRP wholeheartedly denounces acts of violence, oppression, and injustice. GRP re-commits to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and anti-racism. This means we must do more to listen, evaluate our programs, train our staff, and work each day to build a community of deeper respect- one that ensures our capacity to build a more just and equitable society.
To our families, campers, alumni, and staff of color that have come to call GRP home, we are committed to you. We understand GRP needs to be a place of safety: emotional, mental, and physical. We understand we need to educate our staff, administration, and board to build a camp community that works to break down barriers and allows all participants to “be their best me”. We need to enrich how we honor traditional and indigenous knowledge in our programs. We must work to develop our strategic plan and programs to make sure all who come to the Green River Valley have the opportunity to connect with nature in a just and safe way.
To our white families, campers, alumni and staff who have come to call GRP home we are committed to you and invite you to do the work,collaborate with us, and make GRP a place that is more inclusive, just, and equitable for all. We must be dedicated to educating ourselves and reflecting on our white privilege. This is hard work and cannot be completed overnight. Patience and persistence is needed. We are grateful to all who have expressed interest and desire to participate in the helping GRP to become a safer space. We know we must do more. Our first step on this journey will be to learn and listen with respect. We will be taking time this year to read, study, and solicit feedback from our community. We do not have all the answers. But we believe in the power of our community to learn, grow, and make our world a better place.
Our mission has always been to connect children to nature. We know ALL children benefit from time spent in the wilderness amongst peers and mentors. Our commitment to making our mission more accessible is a journey that will take time, dedication, persistence, and community support. We may be but a small part of the greater societal journey needed but we intend to dig in and do our share of the work. Thank you for your willingness to join us.
In partnership,
The Green River Preserve Team
