Rubicon’s dedication to affirming our identity as an antiracist organization took a step forward recently, as staff created the framework for an action plan based on our antiracism stance. 

The creation of the antiracist action plan reflects a commitment to walk the talk when it comes to “engaging in the long-term, transformational work needed to demand justice for all,” said Chief Talent Officer Adrienne Kimball.  

The development of the action plan began following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Tony McDade, when many employees echoed demands that were being voiced nationwide, and made it clear that they wanted decisive action within the organization, Kimball said. 

Staff identified a few strategies and dozens of tactics with which to move forward. Capacity-building tactics range from hiring practices to ensure that employees reflect the participant community; education for staff, especially white-identified staff, around BIPOC experiences and the legacy and continued perpetuation of white supremacy; and rigorous accountability systems. Legislative and grassroots advocacy tactics focus on supporting legal, systemic, and public policy changes to advance race equity and racial justice.

The Racial Justice Task Force is meeting weekly to plan the implementation phase of the action strategies. Examples of activities and initiatives that have already taken place include the observation of Juneteenth as an organization-wide holiday, education around Black Wall Street, and a commitment to spending money with BIPOC vendors. 

Rubicon’s commitment to acting with humility entails taking risks. “We have long felt the need to do more active advocacy and activism around racial justice issues; however, we wanted to be sure we could get it right. The moment calls for us to act, even if we make mistakes along the way,” said Jane Fischberg, President and CEO.