In Solidarity with BLM

Like many of you, we have been watching current events with heavy hearts and a strong sense that we need to take decisive action. Our mission at The Matchstick Collective is to create societal change by challenging systems of oppression that separate womxn and divide communities. We believe that friendship and community among womxn will smash the patriarchy, and we acknowledge that all forms of oppression are strategically linked. On a personal level, we recognize that we cannot do anti-oppression work without confronting our own privilege as white women and actively practicing anti-racism.  

At this time it is especially important to clearly express our values, particularly speaking out against injustice, inequity, racism, and oppression in all forms. We wholeheartedly support the Black Lives Matter movement and all groups working toward justice and equality for BIPOC. 

We commit to demonstrating these values, starting with sharing how we will continue to move toward justice and equality, individually and societally. 

We pledge to use our privilege and platform to take the following actions: 

  • We will openly communicate our values and belief in the importance of working and fighting for justice.

  • We will openly discuss intersectionality, privilege, white supremacy, and racism in our workshops and events, and will use direct and specific language when doing so.

  • When we are invited to be part of events or conferences, we will advocate for equal representation of people of color and decline to participate if this is not achieved.

  • We will speak up and confront racism, overt and implied, whenever we witness it.

  • We will continue to engage in our own anti-racism work by educating ourselves, examining our own biases and privilege, and paying any individuals of color who help us in this process. 

  • We will make monthly donations to causes that are working towards justice, starting with The Loveland Foundation therapy fund and Black Lives Matter 5280.

  • We will participate in demonstrations and lend our bodies and voices to the movement.

  • We will participate in federal, state, and especially local elections and actively support candidates who share our beliefs and values.

  • We acknowledge that we will not do any of this perfectly, and will own our mistakes, learn from them, and do better. 

  • We will not be silent, as we believe silence is complicity.

  • We will continue these actions until justice and equity are achieved.

We invite anyone who feels compelled to join us in this work, and we welcome your suggestions on additional actions that we can take to help promote change.

Yours in anger, grief, and action, 

      Kim & Jenna

Thank you Julie Jacobs for lending us your inspiration, words, and support in creating this statement.

Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash