We Are Not Rushing This
March 2023 Newsletter
At our recent reintroduction and recommitment workshop, we were reminded that, as a two-year-old organization, we are right where we need to be.
In two short years, the RIDC has made an impact on the running industry, and we can tell our work is reaching more people–and at deeper levels.
The mission of our organization energizes us to always want to do more. But we are not going to rush the work of achieving racial justice in the running industry. Why hurry to the next thing when the basics still need to be covered across the industry to truly move forward together? As tempting as it may be to sprint to the finish line, we know that holding a steady pace through this effort will ensure that the industry doesn't run out of steam, burn out, and leave the heavy workload to a select few.
Change takes time, and it isn’t linear. Change typically requires seasons of pauses and reflections to achieve meaningful progress as well. The proof is in some responses shared during our first workshop of the year.
Both new and old friends of the RIDC contributed to the discussion. On the topic of acknowledging and addressing white supremacy–which many people usually shy away from discussing–here are some reflections shared during the workshop that show we are headed in a promising direction:
"White supremacy. I'm someone who would have rejected those words with all of my might and the broader definition has shined a light for me."
"White Supremacy. It’s a bit of a jarring word to be honest and when I first heard Alison speak openly about it two years ago it caused a somatic reaction which made me want to learn more and reshape how I thought about the term. I understand it much better now and I appreciate that the 'hot' language can fuel our desire to learn more."
"Appreciate the explanation of white supremacy. To me, it always meant radical groups (KKK)."
"White Supremacy because it never occurred to me that it is an artificial system that was created and could be challenged. Once seen, it can’t be unseen."
"You have brought the systemic racism in the running industry to light. I saw hints of it before, but now I see it everywhere. I also see the efforts to change the running industry and diversify it. Redefine who it is for."
Progress doesn't happen overnight and is only sometimes visible. But change is happening in small and big ways.
Keep doing the work–we'll focus on the pace.
Kiera Smalls
Executive Director, The RIDC
For more RIDC updates, partner spotlights, media round ups and more, check out out the complete newsletter linked below.
