The events of the last few weeks and months have been difficult to bear. Grief, loss, profound sadness, confusion, outrage…we have felt an enormous range of emotions.

What we do not feel is complacent.

Racism is pernicious. We all participate, even if we cannot imagine ourselves ‘racist’. Dismantling systems of oppression will require sustained, concentrated effort within every business, on every team, in every corner of our country.

Clearly, it is a time for deep introspection and robust dialogue. This moment will test us as a community. It will strengthen us as a community, too.

City Club of Central Oregon is committed to hosting community-building conversations. And while balanced perspectives are one of our highest values, the needle has shifted and there is a new calculus we must courageously embrace if we intend to walk our talk.

We are reconsidering our forums to reach a broader, more inclusive audience. We are exploring ways to minimize barriers due to cost and timing. We continuously seek the leading edge of respectful debate on issues of urgency.

We are pushing ourselves to dig deeper.

We do this work best, together. Share your thoughts, your attentions, your questions—even if there are no easy answers. Challenge us, inspire us and please continue to support us through your membership, sponsorship, partnership, and active participation. This is OUR City Club.

We pledge to fearlessly embrace this moment of transformation for our nation, and for Central Oregon. Conversation creates community. Let’s begin.

~City Club Board of Directors