Facebook Publication Date: 5/10/2021 6:05
From Lace:
In this early May Ask, I want to keep it simple.
We know that, even as we are still processing the Chauvin verdict, and the targeted violence toward the Asian Community, and preparing for what some are calling yet another Black Spring, that, despite and beyond these discrete and activating events, that there is still so much work to do.
But…do we? Do we really know that?
As I think of the changes and the challenges we all will face in this post Covid world, I also find myself thinking about who I am. Who I am when I am activated. Who I am when things seem (or only seem) calm on the surface.
I need to always remember, and to never forget that the work I am called to do, and called to call you all and invite you all into, goes beyond the headlines.
I say this a lot, that who you are here is who you are. I remind myself of that too; it is a daily reminder that my convictions don’t end when I close my laptop or put down my phone.
But there is a bookend to that: how I live is an indicator of who I am. Who I am truly willing to share and disclose my convictions too. Where I do or do not have skin in the game. Where I am laying dormant, waiting for the Next Big Thing, or if I am making determined progress, with all deliberate speed, towards the person who I say that I want to be, in service to the people I say I stand with and for, and the world in which I want to walk and serve.
That above paragraph transcends, or should transcend, trends, news cycles, fads, heart rate, and competing priorities.
In fact I would say that living out the person who you say you want to be is a complement and a buttress, not a rival nor a distraction from what I know are dearly held goals.
We do our best to be beyond topical here at Lace on Race, but the truth is that it is hard to compete with an ever changing news cycle, presented in a way that generates far more heat than light.
We saw this in the last 12 months: getting on those ‘Best Of’ lists; the mishegoss with first Jim and Kate, and then the sadness and reeling from the effects of our ex-employee. All of this evoked strong emotions, and while two of those events made for increased engagement, the other, where you all were confronted with your relationship to this space, and yes, to me, made for a decided dropoff in financial engagement, even while we brought you more content across more platforms. In this sense, Holly won, and continues to win. We never lost eyeballs. We did lose half of our financial support; we made some gains, but we are still behind. Her impact is noted and ongoing.
We need to course correct that, as we continue to build the community that continues to earn its place as one of the best racial justice spaces on the internet; but even more, as we strive to live out North Star values in the way only we can.
As your newly appointed Executive Director, I am even more galvanized and determined to give you my very best in content, engagement, and influence and service beyond the walls of Lace on Race. What a distinct privilege to be able to do so, and I deeply thank you.
Very simply, I would like to continue to serve you with my utmost. I thank you in advance for allowing me to do so.
I also thank those of you who have financially engaged without the prompt of the ask, and for those of you who are aware of the shortfall that has been endured post Holly. If you would like to earmark engagement specifically to address that shortfall, you can designate and we will see it, and again, your thanks for your faith in me, in us, and your commitment to our Western Star, even in the midst of adversity.
To Sustainers, Sustainers in Training, those who have registered for the Lace on Race Cafe, and those who aspire to be part of Chef’s Table, thank you in advance for your fulfilling your monthly commitment. It is you all who allow us to serve and influence and mentor and teach and abide. Every month, especially in these recent challenging months, my heart swells because of your continued faithfulness.
For those of you who engage a la carte at the Takeout Window, I hope you have seen and appreciated the value in the fare we offer you and directly invite (and gently and lovingly challenge) you to partner with us.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Sustainer or a Sustainer in Training, or if you would like to be seated in the Bistro, links are below. I look forward to walking with and abiding with you in ever deeper ways.
What we do is different than what you will see anywhere else. What we offer to you is different; and what we ask for and from you is different. We are grateful for you. You will find our walking with you will never waver.
In Hesed,
Your Lace
PayPal: paypal.me/LaceonRace
Engage with the Early May Ask in the Bistro with us: https://laceonrace.com/groups/the-bistro/forum/discussion/early-may-ask/
To join us in the the Bistro, register for the Café: https://laceonrace.com/register/ and join the Bistro group https://laceonrace.com/groups/the-bistro/.
Follow these links to become a Sustainer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFul2VLViJyv7Frn3fU_BStg2BMyk9x-M_CJv6jP4g-zQcuw/viewform?usp=sf_link
or Sustainer in Training: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSess6XRJqLL934v_7eB2Ctq6EKOxMiu0Rsm-dZM1d_UHSWZUw/viewform?usp=sf_link
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