During the June WCCN meeting members discussed our (potential) contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement. Below is a summary of what I took from this discussion. I have added some of my own feelings into this, so if it doesn't reflect the feelings from the group then let me know. I hope I have captured the essence of what we discussed, but it is an emotive subject and I apologise if I have got it wrong.I hope that we can use this space to start a wider discussion/ resource sharing platform for all of us in WCCN.I don’t know what to sayIn discussing the Black Lives Matter movement, in a predominantly white space, some members felt hesitant to contribute yet another white voice on a topic that they felt they have little to contribute to other than sympathy, sadness and some shame. They are not directly affected and feel that a white voice is not as important in these discussions than that of a person on colour.Hard conversationsBut, conversely, it is felt that by being quiet we are relying on those who are vulnerable to have these conversations. People of colour should not be expected to explain what should be said and done- this is a soundboard that is covered already.Power and spaceWe all need to be in the conversation, even though the conversation is difficult and many of us don’t know what to say, we cannot rely on the victims of this to explain to us on how to be better. We have the power and the space to have these discussions.WCCNWCCN’s mission is to promote inclusivity and gender equality in conservation. We have the power and the space to contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement.Resourceshttps://www.blacklivesmatter.uk/ A spreadsheet/checklist of practical ways to support the BLM movement from the UK, put together by the Cambridge University BME Society: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1x65xLdIUDWMUl4_nkuD-EeP98UuJ2nuknUDsqUm7R9s/htmlview University of Kent Race and Equality: https://www.kent.ac.uk/hr-equalityanddiversity/protected-characteristics/ethnicity.html University of Kent Societies: https://www.kent.ac.uk/guides/race-and-culture https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01743-5Books:https://www.charisbooksandmore.com/understanding-and-dismantling-racism-booklist-white-readersWhy I’m no Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge https://www.waterstones.com/book/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race/reni-eddo-lodge/9781408870587 "Me and White Supremacy: How to recognise your privilege, combat racism and change the world" by Layla F. Saad 'The Good Immigrant' edited by Nikesh Shukla - sharing stories of BME people in the UK. 'White Fragility' by Robin DiAngelo - why it's hard for white people to talk about racism. Podcasts:Have you heard Georges Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07915kd/episodes/downloads
