We stand as a source for a transformed world. A world where regardless of the color of your skin, ethnicity, gender, or orientation – there is equal access and opportunity to reach your full human potential. In the wake of the recent protests in our communities, the principle of “I am the source” from our trainings continues to be paramount in our hearts and minds.
We are the source. All of us play a role in shaping our culture and society. This means all of us consciously or unconsciously influence the communities in which we live. We have the power as leaders to influence and manifest change — change in ourselves, change in our communities, and change in our world. We are responsible for our results.
As leaders, we stand for justice, fairness, and equality.
As leaders, we acknowledge that not every limitation is a limiting belief; there are indeed systemic and pervasive barriers within our society.
As leaders, we choose to exercise the power that we have to dismantle barriers that limit access to opportunity, joy, safety, and health.
Through the Pillars of Leadership, we declare:
Integrity: We commit to being our word by taking thoughtful and deliberate actions that exemplify our values of love, inclusivity, community, and transformation.
Responsibility: We have the power and privilege to make an impact. We can be part of saving lives. We take ownership of our declarations and our results. It is up to us – individually and collectively.
Risk: Taking a stand means putting something on the line. We run the risk of making missteps, having blind spots, and not doing it perfectly. We know this risk is minimal compared to what others face. We choose this stretch.
Urgency: There is no time like the present and the necessity is undeniable. We commit to taking action now on our values. Life is now and the present moment is calling.
Possibility: Change is possible. When we take a stand for a transformed world, others are inspired to do the same. This moment can be a turning point for a movement if enough people choose it.
Tenacity: We are not naive to the fact that change does not happen in a day. We declare that we will remain rooted in our values and actions, not just during these heightened times, but as long as it takes – as an organization and as a community – equity will be integral to our mission and purpose.
We have been listening, and we have more listening to do. We have been lifting up voices, and we have more voices to uplift. We have been taking action, and we have more actions to take. We acknowledge that systemic injustice and inequity are pervasive at all levels. So, to meet this moment, we are deliberately choosing to do more than acknowledging what’s not working from afar. We are committed to doing the work.
We know that making this statement is not enough. This statement is just the beginning. As we continue to move forward, we will be listening to members of our community and receiving feedback on ways we can best implement diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. We will build a plan that addresses implicit bias within and outside of our organization. We commit to taking responsibility for the culture we shape within this country.
If you have ideas on how NLT can be more inclusive, more deliberate, more equitable, and more rooted in our vision for a transformed world, please share your feedback with us at nextleveltrainings.com/feedback.
With love,
Next Level Trainings leadership