At UpStart, our vision is a more just, vibrant, and inclusive future. That vision means a future that is safer and more equitable, and that illuminates everyone’s potential–particularly those who have been systematically disenfranchised both within and outside of Jewish communal life. As the pandemic disproportionately impacts people of color, and as we witness consistent and systemic violence against Black people, we know this vision must be pursued with more urgency.
We also know that the Jewish community is not immune to racism, and that repairing these wrongs must start here.
First, we want to say unequivocally that Black lives matter and that we are committed to building an anti-racist Jewish community. We stand with our team members of color, our network members of color, and all people of color in this struggle for justice.
Second, while we have started this work, we recognize that we have so much more to do. We are committed to accelerating our actions towards making our vision a reality, including ongoing self-reflection and learning, centering marginalized voices, and annually articulating concrete priorities to advance this work. In the next fiscal year, we will:
Together, we will bring our community closer to our vision of a just, vibrant, and inclusive future.