Individual Action Guide by Women of Color Advancing Peace & Security

INDIVIDUAL ACTION GUIDE

Table of Contents About................................................................................ P.02 The organization................................................... P.02 The Author.............................................................. P.04 Gratitude................................................................. P.04 Introduction...................................................................... P.05 What is an Individual Signatory?..................................... P.07 Who can be an individual signatory?..................... P.08 Individual versus organizational............................ P.08 Why should you be an individual signatory?......... P.09 How do you get involved?...................................... P.09 Three Ways to Engage..................................................... P.10 Words of Advice............................................................... P.12

About The Organization Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) is devoted to serving as a force multiplier for our membership in the peace, security, and conflict transformation field. WCAPS aims to be an incubator for greatness as we provide a platform for our members to engage in dialogue, conduct knowledge sharing activities, participate in mentorship programs, and host initiatives that are salient to changing the global landscape. Our mission is to advance the leadership and professional development of women of color in the fields of international peace, security, and conflict transformation, with the goal to ultimately impact sustainable change. We do this via our working groups, incorporating chapters, and by providing spaces for our members to shift their ideas into initiatives. WCAPS began in 2017 by Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins with her belief that all people should be treated equally, fairly, and with respect. She put her beliefs into practice when she founded WCAPS as a space for women of color to come together and access resources and community, as well as showcase their expertise in spaces that they created. The central goal of WCAPS is to encourage and support women of color to advance their leadership and professional development and provide avenues for them to find a seat at the table to engage on issues of peace, security and conflict transformation. During the summer of 2020 following the deaths of numerous Black and Brown men and women at the hands of unjust systems , including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Amb. Jenkins founded the Organizations in Solidarity initiative (better known as OrgsinSolidarty or OiS).

About The creation of the OiS program allowed WCAPS to cultivate connections with a wide network of external partners and create a community of mutual accountability specifically focused on DEIA goals set forth in the WCAPS United States or United Kingdom Standing Together Against Racism and Discrimination Statements. The WCAPS program OiS has grown to more than 300 organizations and individuals who are signatories to the Statements. These partners stand behind OiS’ mission to combat racist beliefs, attitudes, and acts of discrimination, and integrate diversity within all levels of their organizations and as individuals in the peace and security, foreign policy and national security fields. We draw attention to the current state of affairs, educate, as well as elevate and support diverse voices and perspectives and the individuals who hold them. This gives due recognition and credit to achievements of Black people and people of color and strives toward a world where all people are treated fairly, equitably, and with respect. The work of OiS supports the broader mission of WCAPS to create a space for our membership and the signatories of the Statements to come together wherein they can exchange ideas about how to move forward in attaining the goals of equity in the peace and security field. Through collaboration with the OiS Working Groups and OiS Job Board, we are steadily moving towards creating more opportunities for people of color, especially women of color, and our allies to bridge the divides that Amb. Jenkins started WCAPS to cross.

About The Author Mrs. Mari Faines is a nuclear non-proliferation advocate experienced in communication strategy design through policy engagement, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. Faines’ foundation in nuclear intersectionality, conflict resolution, and transitional justice in US and Africa, is further solidified through her volunteer activities, including: WCAPS/ Organizations in Solidarity Steering Committee; and Foreign Policy 4 America (FP4A) Next Gen Initiative Diversity Co-Lead. Faines also was a 2023 CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) Nuclear Scholar; a 2022 CSIS AILA International Fellow; and was named to the 2022 CSIS/ Diversity in National Security Network (DINSN) U.S. National Security & Foreign Affairs Leadership List. Faines formerly served on the Board of WCAPS-UK; and was founder and host of their Podcast ‘Got Melanin’. She has worked with BASIC’s Emerging Voices Network, Democrats Abroad, African Development Forum, the London Conversations, and as a UNITE 2030 Youth Delegate Lead in 2021, with a focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in the Politics of Conflict, Rights, and Justice from SOAS University of London, and Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Colgate University. Her recent publications have been featured in The Guardian, New America, Inkstick Media, and Outrider.

Gratitude This project would not be possible without the help of the incredible OiS Staff, with special thank you to Maher Akremi and Tamera Allen. We also express our appreciation to the experts who generously spared time and shared their experiences to inform this report. Special thank you to all of the individual signatories with special recognition of Ms. Sylvia Mishra, Mr. Oluwasegun Ogunsakin, Mrs. Melissa Ullom, Ms. Mariel Precious Joy C. Gardose. Their insights provided invaluable expertise for the project and helped to advance DEI in the field of peace and security. The publication designer: Tamera Allen 2023 OiS WCAPS. All Rights Reserved.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction One of the most critical pieces in dismantling the systemic ills of structural racism and white supremacy in the peace and security space, are the individuals who take the time to address the issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within the field. Since the inception of Organizations in Solidarity (OiS) in 2020, they have recognized the importance of the work of individuals, while separating sign-on categories into two parts: the often recognized representatives of organizational signatories who represent the possibility of institutional change across the field, and individual signatories, who operate independently from their organizational counterparts and do some of the most difficult work. This is the guide for them. The question has often been asked, how does an individual signatory engage with OiS? What is the difference in their role from an organization? What are the challenges they face? And what are the joys of going into this project alone? This quick guide answers these questions and more. This project is for individual signatories, who have already established their commitment but are looking to reinvigorate them. It is also for those thinking about joining on their own, to help give you a road map to success. This document lays out the basics of being an individual signatory, as well as some key tips and guidelines to follow as you navigate through participation in this initiative and beyond. This project surveyed individuals about their own experience to ensure diversity of perspectives within the guide. It reflects the insights gained from questionnaires and conversations between individual OiS stakeholders, who are diverse members of the peace and security community. We all recognize systemic equity is going to require large scale changes. This guide focuses on the actions of individual stakeholders, and how participation in OiS as an individual signatory can help make this field a better place.

WHAT IS AN INDIVIDUAL SIGNATORY?

What is an Individual Signatory? Who can be an individual signatory? Anyone! As long as they are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the field of peace, security, and foreign policy.

Individual Versus Organizational Individual signatory: a singular individual who has signed on to the WCAPS Standing Against Racism and Discrimination Statement and has committed to the 12 commitments of OiS. They only represent themselves and cannot act on behalf of the institution or organization for which they are employed. They are encouraged to attend all monthly meetings (to the best of their ability), as well as take part in one of the 13 OiS working groups. They are encouraged (but not required) to participate in annual reporting. An organizational signatory: an organization who has signed on to the 12 commitments of Ois as part of larger institutional efforts to DEI. The individual(s) who represent their organization at the monthly OiS meetings are always working with the interest of their organization at heart. There can be multiple representatives for the organization or a singular person that represents the institution. They are encouraged to attend all monthly meetings (to the best of their ability), as well as take part in one of the 13 OiS working groups. They are also required to participate in annual reporting where they must set goals for the upcoming year for their organization as well as report on previous commitments.

What is an Individual Signatory? Why should you be an individual signatory? There is no question that we are in an incredibly tumultuous time. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the creation of OiS, we saw an uptick of people wanting to help create a more diverse, equitable, and safe field. Three years later and that spirit for change has worn thin. This is due to a plethora of reasons including, “ally fatigue”, lack of institutional support, and overall change in the commitment across the country to create systemic positive change. So what does that mean? Now is the time to join OiS and get involved. Sometimes it just takes one individual to turn the tide. So if you believe in a better field, and are committed to creating positive systemic change, being an individual signatory is for you. Let your work help lead the way.

How do you get involved? 1. Stand with us! Sign on to the “WCAPS Standing Against Racism and Discrimination Statement.” 2. Be ready to implement all 12 commitments 3. Join one of the 13 working groups 4. Come to your first Monthly meeting! 5. Schedule time to meet with the OrgsinSolidarity Program Manager! Get to know the lay of the land! * Hit the ground running! Once you have joined, start thinking about how you can implement the 12 commitments not only in your work in the field but also into your daily life.

THREE WAYS TO ENGAGE

Three Ways to Engage One of the most important features of joining OiS is finding your space within the initiative. So what does that mean? 1. Attend monthly meetings and get involved! As one OiS individual signee stated, their favorite part about OiS was attending meetings and “ hearing about the experiences of other organizations in the sector and developing my own ideas as a result.” Speak up! Ask questions, provide advance. This is your safe space to engage. 2. Take on a leadership role in a working group. As an individual signee you are not bound to representing the interests of your organization. This means in a leadership role you can listen, collate, and help advance the needs of the group with an impartial perspective. Leadership could be a co-chair, or vice-chair role, or it could just mean showing up and actively engaging in the work. 3. Join a project: Whether it be a publication, an event, or a conference, joining a project is a wonderful opportunity to meet other members of the OiS community as well as promote the sustainment of diversity efforts in the peace and security field. Being a part of an OiS project is one of the best parts of partnership because you can see “the culmination of improved outcomes through advocacy”, shared one OiS individual partner.

WORDS OF ADVICE

Words of Advice We are not looking for perfection, we are looking for progress! One of the things that often stops people from joining, is the belief that we expect them to be perfect participants. That's not true. OiS understands that in order to make real and substantial change we have to meet each and every individual where they are in their DEI journey. So every meeting and everyday is an opportunity to strive for progress, not perfection. Individual members hold just as much value as organizational members. Sometimes, it may feel like because you are an individual you can not influence the initiative or your own organization as much as you want. This could not be further from the truth. You taking the steps as an individual are essential not only to creating a better OiS, but better organizations, field, and overall world. The best time to join is now. There will never be a perfect time to fight for diversity and equity, so why not just start. OiS is an opportunity for you to get involved in creating the diversity, equity, inclusion and justice you want to see in the field and the world. It's an opportunity to work with like minded individuals and organizations, to push for progress and positive change. No act of change is ever too small. Join as an individual OiS partner today!

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