MASOC Statement on Police Violence, Racism, and White Supremacy

MASOC believes that every child and adolescent deserves to live in a world that allows and encourages them to lead safe, healthy, and meaningful lives. However, we know from the research that sexual violence is less likely to be investigated if the victim is Black, and that Black children are more likely to face arrest, prosecution in juvenile and adult courts, and to be placed on the sex offender registry. Too often, when carrying out our mission of sexual violence prevention, we as an organization have been complicit by failing to prioritize racial justice and the ending of systemic racism. We all must do far better.

We recognize that eradicating the many forms of explicit and implicit systemic and individual racism takes concerted action. In the coming year(s), the MASOC Board will be focusing on being a part of the solution.

1. First, we are actively seeking to diversify our board and request nominations for Black candidates and other candidates of color. If you know of someone in Massachusetts who may be interested, we encourage MASOC members to nominate individuals who are committed to MASOC’s mission.
2. Second, we are examining avenues through our annual strategic planning process to promote racial justice, including the creation a mentoring program for Black students and other students of color.
3. Third, we are exploring ways to address these issues in our conference next year. In the past, we highlighted workshops and offered scholarships, but we know that we can and must do more.
4. Fourth, we as a board are working on educating ourselves on racial justice issues and sharing what we learn with our membership.
5. And fifth, we are exploring establishing partnerships with public officials and community organizations to support racial justice-focused policies.

Lastly, as individual board members, we are working on doing better. Whether by attending a protest or vigil, donating to racial justice organizations, actively seeking out and supporting Black businesses, reaching out to help in the community, or confronting racism in our own families through dialogue and tough conversations, all of us recognize that silence and inaction themselves lend support to acts of racial violence. We invite MASOC members to join us in taking action against police violence, racism, and white supremacy. We also invite you to email the board with ideas of how we as an organization can better support racial justice at info@masoc.net.