Dear NORDP Members,
In this moment in history, we find ourselves faced with unprecedented challenges: confronting both the global health and economic crisis stemming from COVID-19, and the most recent examples of the long-standing racial injustice in the United States arising from the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and innumerable unknown others.
NORDP is a community that is dedicated to inclusive excellence, honest reflection, and genuine advocacy in support of our members. Our greatest strength has always been the relationships we build with one another, and this is why the NORDP Board wants to be loud and clear: NORDP supports those who stand up against racism and bias in today’s society. We support those who are grieving for the loss of family and friends, and the unjust loss of more Black American lives. We stand in solidarity with all our RD colleagues, ready to offer support.
We are a community that exists to serve its members, and in that spirit I, and the rest of NORDP’s leadership, acknowledge that we must find ways to take more direct action in support of inclusive excellence. Though we have made remarkable strides in the short lifetime of our organization, the world shows us every day that there is so much more to be done. We are committed to being an agent of change in the Research Development field and beyond, through mindful integration of inclusive strategies including initiatives spanning leadership development, mentoring, and recruitment.
In moving forward, I welcome your ideas and input on ways our Research Development community can unite for positive impact. We look forward to dialogue and action that is as strident as it is peaceful. In the coming weeks look for a virtual Community Discussion to provide a space for members of our community to reflect and process their thoughts and feelings about these recent national events. For now, know that I, and the rest of NORDP, stand with our members in the fight against racism and bias wherever and however it may appear.
And for all our members: all races, colors, and ethnicities, please know that we cherish, value, respect, and support you. Thank you for being a part of our community. Our lives, personal and professional, are all the richer for it.
Sincerely,
Karen “Fletch” Fletcher
NORDP President
NORDP fosters a culture of inclusive excellence by actively promoting and supporting diversity, inclusion and equity in all its forms to expand our worldview, enrich our work, and elevate our profession.
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