Big Cartel's Anti-Racism Work is Ongoing: Update 2

We've said it once and we'll say it again: the work is ongoing. Around here that's not just a buzzworthy phrase. We recognize that in order for real change to happen, our efforts and work must be continuous.

So here we are with another update on our efforts to try and make this world a more just place.

In case you missed it, here's a quick look at our first update:

• Our monthly donations went to bail funds and Project LETS

• We started offering price relief to Big Cartel shops that are fundraising for racial justice issues

• We launched a new section of our website specifically dedicated to Black Lives Matter.

Ongoing Monthly Donations

Each month we donate $10,000 to Black, Brown, and Indigenous-led organizations committed to antiracism. Since our last update, we've made donations to two truly incredible organzations. In August, our donation went to Angry Tías and Abuelas. Their mission is to "provide basic necessities for health and safety and support for human dignity and justice to individuals and families seeking asylum at our borders and as they embark on their journeys to designated destinations in the US."

For September we directed our support to Black Women Build-Baltimore, "a home ownership and wealth building initiative that trains black women in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing by restoring vacant and deteriorated houses in West Baltimore."

Big Cartel Art Works

With Big Cartel Art Works, we're supporting a diverse mix of independent creators by commissioning a variety of paid projects. We're working hard to keep on eye on both the people we're hiring and how funds are spent to ensure equal opportunities for all. Here's a look at some of the amazing work folks have contributed to #BigCartelArtWorks the last few months:

• With Self-Care, the Process is the Point by Loré Yessuff

• Black Strength, Black Pain by Antoinette Thomas

• Projects LETS Works to Erase the Stigma by Mitchell Kuga

• What We Wish to See in This World by Jeannine A. Cook

• Keep Moving animation by Lionell Guzman

• Register to Vote by Victor Dubbs

External Equity Audit

True diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond is a process, not a one-time event. With that in mind, Big Cartel has been working to select an outside organization to conduct an equity audit. After some time researching and gathering proposals, our Operations Director presented the team with a few options and everyone at Big Cartel had the opportunity to provide input. After input was shared and reviewed, it was clear that McKensie Mack Group was the right fit for us.

Collectively we were drawn to MMG's proposal for a few reasons. First and foremost, the organization is Black- and nonbinary-led, meaning MMG can help us to identify areas of improvement using their own lived experience. Additionally, their proposal had a stronger focus on intersectionality than others we considered and that's a big priority for us. Lastly, their approach and organization as a whole felt the most aligned with a company of our size and scale. Our contract is signed and things should be kicking off soon! We'll keep you updated as things unfold.

Social Justice Affinity Group

Affinity groups are a new thing at Big Cartel. While there are a few different groups just getting off the ground, we're really excited about the potential for education, change, and collaboration that could come from our Social Justice Affinity Group. The first meeting was just last week, and we're looking forward to sharing more details internally and externally as these groups come together.

Just as the work to be done is ongoing, so is our process of learning, listening, adjusting, growing, and changing. None of it is going to be easy. Here's to acknowledging that fact and barreling towards progress anyway.