GDB's Statement on Recent Events in our Communities
Thursday June 04, 2020
![Guide Dogs for the Blind CEO Christine Benninger smiles at the camera while embracing her Golden Retriever, Theia.](https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gdb-assets/_840xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/CBwithTheia.jpg)
The events of the past few weeks have been tragic, emotionally draining, and not reflective of who we should be as a community! Because diversity and inclusion are part of our core values, we felt that it is important that GDB makes a statement regarding our values and how we feel about the events that are currently tearing our communities apart.
As part of our ongoing work to empower the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired and foster diversity and inclusion within our own organization, Guide Dogs for the Blind shares accountability for creating a community where everyone can feel included, respected, and safe. We stand against inequality, violence, and racism. We stand in solidarity with those working peacefully to eradicate systemic discrimination and brutality against the Black Community.
It is important that we voice our values and stand against the violence, racism, and discrimination that is happening in our communities. Our goal is that within the walls of GDB, we continue to be caring, inclusive, supportive, and compassionate. Given who we are, given who we are as a community, and our commitment to our mission, I do believe that we can be a model for the rest of the nation!
Warm regards -
Chris