HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/2/2024 Item 5a, Gardener-Felix
Raine Gardener-Félix <raine.gardener@protonmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 1,
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:10/2/24 Item 5a - Comments
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Dear Human Relations Commission,
I am writing to express my support for the Diversity Coalition of SLO County's BIPOC Board Leadership Training
Program. I want to thank you for recommending this program for funding again this year. However, I ask you to
consider funding this program for a minimum of $20,000 rather than the initially recommended $10,000.
Of the programs recommended for funding, BIPOC Board Leadership Training is the only program that engages in
the grant's priorities of:
Diversity in government and governing institutions
Equitable access to leadership and decision-making for women (specifically women of color)
The BIPOC Board Leadership Training Program works toward systemic change by directly addressing power
structures, which makes it unique among the programs recommended for funding. This program is poised to have
an even greater impact this year as it develops, improves, and grows stronger connections within our community.
As a community member with multiple marginalized identities, I have relied on the support of numerous
governmental and nonprofit services here in SLO throughout my life. I can attest to the disconnect that often exists
between the people leading an organization and those of us being served by it, and the alienation I have often felt in
this community as a result. I can also personally attest to what a real difference it makes when an organization
actually includes leaders who share lived experiences with those they serve!
This is the kind of difference that the BIPOC Board Leadership Training Program will make not just for BIPOC
residents, but for many marginalized groups. This program will certainly increase racial/ethnic diversity in local
leadership, but many of its BIPOC graduates will also bring other kinds of diversity to leadership spaces (including
gender, LGBTQ+ identity, disability, immigrant experience, socioeconomic, religion, etc).
With all this in mind, I ask that you please consider funding the Diversity Coalition's BIPOC Board Leadership
Training Program for a minimum of $20,000.
On another note, I want to express my deep gratitude to the Commission for recommending Peace Academy's
project, "Mawtini," for full funding. This project is incredibly timely and will support much-needed healing and
dialogue in our community.
I know your job is not easy, and I appreciate the Commission's hard work and discernment in the process of making
funding recommendations.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Raine Gardener-Felix
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