WCAPS Statement: Standing Together Against Racism and Discrimination

On Tuesday, leaders of over 150 national security and foreign policy organizations joined voices in support of a statement prepared by Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation against the acts of racism and discrimination structurally built into this country’s foundation.

Bulletin president and CEO Rachel Bronson signed onto the statement, affirming that “The Bulletin recognizes racism as a threat to humanity and that national security cannot be advanced unless all citizens have strong personal security. Within the national security community, the dialogue has been historically dominated by white male voices and it is our responsibility to initiate and cultivate change. We acknowledge that we have much work to do on this front to serve as an ally with communities of color, and those advocating change.”

As signatories of the WCAPS statement, the Bulletin commits to holding ourselves accountable and being a part of the solution, including taking action to:

• Actively change the face of international peace and security by ensuring that our organizations reflect the diversity of America and at all levels.
• Diversify our boards of directors and advisory committees to include Black people and people of color.
• Elevate the voices of Black people and people of color in the media and through other public engagements.
• Educate our leadership and staff on the prevention of racism and discrimination, and on their detrimental impacts.
• Call out racism and share the burden of dismantling white supremacy.
• Acknowledge microaggressions and their detrimental impact on Black people and people of color in the workplace.
• Provide support, including financial support and resources, to groups that are led by Black people and people of color that promote our values.
• Acknowledge the contributions of Black people and people of color and credit their work in the fields of international peace and security.
• Develop a safe workplace where Black people and people of color can share their concerns on issues of racism and racial discrimination.
• Develop meaningful diversity, inclusion, and equity strategies for Black people and people of color, and our efforts on gender diversity will include women of color.
• Develop processes for hiring individuals from local and low-income communities.
• We will develop mentorship programs for Black people and people of color in our organizations.

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