We view this statement as a living document which we will amend and shape as we develop our anti-racist work.
The CMQG recognizes that racism is pervasive in our nation, and that no segment of our society is exempt, including the Guild. We acknowledge that the Guild has not adequately confronted inequities stemming from race and its intersection with other social identities. We understand that unconscious racial biases, microaggressions, and systemic barriers to financial equity all play a role in maintaining the status quo of racial inequality in American quilting. We unconditionally reject racism and white supremacy in all forms, and embrace the institutional changes necessary to dismantle systems that perpetuate injustice and inequity.
Many individuals in our society face practical barriers and oppressive experiences because of systemic inequalities related to race, ability, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and immigration status. Because the Guild is a reflection of the society in which we live, these uses of power will inevitably exist within CMQG as well, unless we actively work to dismantle them. Discrimination and oppression can prevent people from engaging with the Guild in ways that fully reflect their ability and experience. We recognize that working to eliminate oppression is a learning process for everyone. Different people can be at different stages in understanding systemic inequities; we all need to create opportunities for learning, and to assist each other in the learning process.
While the CMQG has taken steps over the last year to improve inclusivity, the Guild hereby declares our ongoing commitment to this work so that our community may become an intentional reflection of our values. Actions speak louder than words, and we place these words here as a measure of our commitment and accountability. We will add actions and update progress toward these goals on a regular basis here on the CMQG website.
In order to become actively more anti-racist, the Cambridge Modern Quilt Guild pledges to make these changes:
Culture: We will work to change our internal culture to one that actively amplifies BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) voices, encourages open and productive discourse on race and racism, and is aware of and addresses racism when it happens. The CMQG believes that broad representation and participation adds significant value to the experience of our members. We respect, value, and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person who they are. Our diversity is our strength; we will work to foster and strengthen this diversity.
Community Guidelines:The CMQG acknowledges and actively upholds the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We pledge to create and maintain an inclusive organization built on encouragement and mutual respect, where all feel safe and welcome, and where diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences are respected and understood as a part of what helps to make us who we are.
The CMQG commits to dissemination of our Community Guidelines to all guild members, guests, lecturers, teachers, and partnering organizations. These Guidelines will be posted on our website, and will contain a link to report any concerning or harassing behavior. Reports of any behavior contradictory to our values will be investigated and, if necessary, met with consequences which may include permanent expulsion from the Cambridge Modern Quilt Guild as deemed appropriate.
Anti-Racism Education: The Guild leadership and Equity & Inclusion Committee (EIC) will work together to create a plan to develop anti-racism education for the Executive Board, the EIC and general membership . All board and EIC members are understood to be in various stages of learning and applying antiracism, and will be expected to strive to that ideal.
Social Justice: The CMQG will actively seek to provide a safe space where social justice issues can be addressed through the lens of modern quilting via lectures, workshops, challenges, discussions, and shows.
Partnering: To change our mentality from doingfor the community to partneringwith the community; this means offering more “participatory” programming that directly involves a cross section of Cambridge community members and allows them an interactive role in modern quilting.
Policy & Practice: To review our policies to identify and dismantle any unjust policies and practices that create barriers for BIPOC. This involves respect for BIPOC, recruiting, promoting, and empowering BIPOC for leadership roles in the Executive Board, and committing to this Acknowledgement Statement around which to build policy and programming.
Modern Quilting: To acknowledge the barriers that have led to BIPOC quilters being vastly underrepresented in the Modern Quilting movement; and to counter this by actively advertising membership in the guild to more BIPOC quilters, and presenting lectures and workshops by more BIPOC quilters.
History: To research the historical and social context of quiltmaking in America, to be aware of how that history has marginalized the work of BIPOC communities, and to let this research and awareness inform policies and program decision-making.
Programming: To showcase work by people of many communities that are under-represented in modern quilting, including Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous makers.
We invite quilters, makers, and community members to hold us accountable. Please contact us at [email protected]
Updated 08/23/21
Timeline of CMQG Anti-Racism Actions
(To be updated on an ongoing basis)
2020 October: Creation of CMQG Equity and Inclusion Committee
2020 October: CMQG annual 2021 membership fees moved to sliding scale
2021 January: EIC begins New Member Buddy Program to foster a welcoming environment and encourage inclusion of 2021 New Members in Guild activities. Goal is to increase member retention beyond the first year.