Writing Your Justice Statement
Our branch seeks to dismantle any and all things that harm and disrupt the flourishing of People of Color. To be successful in the NAACP's mission, we need to actively dismantle white supremacy and racism. This starts with first beginning the process of dismantling white supremacy and racism within yourself.
We are now asking all new members to write a justice statement. Having a clear, concise, and correct understanding of why social change and justice is important to you allows you to construct a sturdy foundation on which you can build the rest of your justice work.
A justice statement is a concise 6-10 sentence vow that articulates your personal commitment to the lifelong pursuit of justice and equity.
Your statement of Justice has two parts:
First: What are your beliefs about justice, injustice, freedom, and oppression? Why do you believe these things?
Second: What are you doing that supports your beliefs?
Instructions for Writing your Justice Statement:
1. Start with quiet reflection. Think about your life and personal experiences which awakened your desire to move from the sidelines and get active and involved.
2. Some questions to keep in mind when writing:
a. Ask yourself what will the world be like when we finally rid the world of racism?
b. How are you going to contribute to bringing this new world into reality?
c. What is the harm of apathy and complacency and how will you resist these things?
3. In order to be concise, write your statement in 6-10 sentences only. Speak from your personal experience. Focus only on the above questions as the means to clarify your deepest conviction and motivation for doing justice work.
Your Justice Statement is for you to keep, read, and review often. It is important to review with close friends or family members. Members of the membership committee offer Justice Statement workshops to give feedback and encourage each member to deepen their commitment to justice work. The workshops offer a safe, encouraging place to accept both appreciation for your insights and also critical questions to further define your Justice Statement.
We are now asking all new members to write a justice statement. Having a clear, concise, and correct understanding of why social change and justice is important to you allows you to construct a sturdy foundation on which you can build the rest of your justice work.
A justice statement is a concise 6-10 sentence vow that articulates your personal commitment to the lifelong pursuit of justice and equity.
Your statement of Justice has two parts:
First: What are your beliefs about justice, injustice, freedom, and oppression? Why do you believe these things?
Second: What are you doing that supports your beliefs?
Instructions for Writing your Justice Statement:
1. Start with quiet reflection. Think about your life and personal experiences which awakened your desire to move from the sidelines and get active and involved.
2. Some questions to keep in mind when writing:
a. Ask yourself what will the world be like when we finally rid the world of racism?
b. How are you going to contribute to bringing this new world into reality?
c. What is the harm of apathy and complacency and how will you resist these things?
3. In order to be concise, write your statement in 6-10 sentences only. Speak from your personal experience. Focus only on the above questions as the means to clarify your deepest conviction and motivation for doing justice work.
Your Justice Statement is for you to keep, read, and review often. It is important to review with close friends or family members. Members of the membership committee offer Justice Statement workshops to give feedback and encourage each member to deepen their commitment to justice work. The workshops offer a safe, encouraging place to accept both appreciation for your insights and also critical questions to further define your Justice Statement.
