The Executive Board of the Music OCLC Users Group (MOUG) stands with its members against racism and racially motivated violence. Throughout history, we have too often witnessed violent acts of racism in person, on camera, and through the eyes of our friends and family. There is nothing we can do to erase the pain felt by the Black community as a result of the innocent lives lost and brutal treatment at the hands of the police. Such actions fly in the face of all that we hold sacred including human dignity, civil rights, and social justice. Within our organization and our profession we all CAN and WILL:
· amplify the voices of our members of color;
· do more to ensure our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) members experience a safe and welcoming environment; and
· do our level best to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In a humble start, the MOUG Executive Board is developing a DEI statement to guide our efforts. We commit to listening, to reflecting on ourselves and our organization, and to identifying what we can individually and collectively do to keep improving. In September, a draft of the MOUG DEI statement will be available in the Newsletter, on MOUG-L, and on the MOUG website for input and feedback. The MOUG Executive Board will discuss more steps to take at its upcoming meeting.