[SCA-BMDL] Regarding Our Core Values

[Krista Cogan]

Salve Accolens, Debatable Lands,

Please do read the missive below from the SCA's Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Officer. The Baron and I invite you all to join us in
understanding and upholding our Core Values and Code of Conduct. We are all
neighbors. We love you all.

In Levitate et Caritate, and Cheers,
Baron Brandubh & Baroness Hilda

Missive from Baroness Zahra:

As so many of us struggle with the pain of separation from one another
socially, so too do we struggle with the realities of systemic inequality
and racism in our society. In the United States and around the world, the
recent senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many
before them have unleashed an avalanche of pent-up emotion.

Our Core Values, which guide us in even these darkest of times, include the
following tenets: to “act in accordance with the chivalric virtues of honor
and service”, to “value and respect the worth and dignity of all
individuals”, and to “practice inclusiveness and respect pluralism and
diversity”.

If we are to live by our core values then there is only one path forward:
we must both fight against systemic injustice and support those that do.

As the unique educational organization that we are, we have the opportunity
to leverage our greatest resource: our community.

It is our community that makes us who we are. That is the true value of the
Society for Creative Anachronism. We treasure the rich diversity of our
community as a reflection of the rich diversity of history and we owe it to
ourselves to deepen our understanding of pervasive inequitable treatment so
that we can move forward on a journey of healing.

There is a tremendous amount of work to be done. It is time for us to take
a hard look at who we are in order to hold ourselves accountable for the
actions we take - and the actions we don’t take.

There is also fear. Our current reality is the direct result of generations
of discrimination and collective trauma. As we educate ourselves to best
support every member of our community, we must acknowledge the fear - and
speak regardless. The time for inaction is over.

Every member of the SCA can effect positive change through personal
accountability. Educate yourself and those around you on issues of
injustice. Speak out against it when you see it, and use any platform that
you have to elevate other voices speaking out against it, particularly
those voices of marginalized groups. Assist those causes which seek to
address discrimination, racial inequity, and all systemic injustice through
the resources that you have available to you.

I invite all members of the SCA to continue to think about further ways
they can help strengthen our commitment to our Core Values.

My SCA stands against bigotry. My SCA will not be silent, and therefore
complicit, in the face of injustice. I will continue to work to make my SCA
a haven for all, and a key player for progress in the battle against
inequality through education and community.

It is my most ardent hope that you will join me.


Jessica Van Hattem

alias Baroness Zahra Tesfaye
SCA Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

#mysca #scaathome #inclusiveexcellence #blacklivesmatter
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