Anti-racist Lincolnshire Voluntary Sector

We have worked with partners across the voluntary, community and faith sector to write an anti-racist statement, and an invitation to work together, in response to the protests across the UK.

The voluntary sector in Lincoln and Lincolnshire have been sadden by the events unfolding around the UK since the 29 July 2024 which has left streets damaged and neighbourhoods carrying the heavy weight of anxiety and fear. As a sector, Lincolnshire’s voluntary organisations and partners, will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities to celebrate and cherish diversity and friendship. We are encouraged to see thousands of people across the country showing that our society rejects xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia and that through these grey clouds of darkness there have been rays of inspiring positivity. Stories of calm, community spirit, and gratitude. Stories of care, clean ups and cookery. Stories of solidarity, unity and social justice. We understand that feelings and emotions will not disappear upon the end of demonstrations and there is work to do to rebuild trust and learn from these events, and many others that have led us to this place. We will commit time and resources, over the next few years, to hold space for learning and unlearning, for reflection and for recognition on our role, individually and professionally, to explore the tensions and challenges facing communities to be antiracist. Not just ‘not racist’. We invite community partners and those with influence locally to come forward to join us on this journey to rid our society of racism and hatred. To grow connection not conflict.

Join us, email: hello@localmotion.org.uk

Statement and invitation on behalf of: Sue Fortune, Chair of Involving Lincs, Paul Gutherson, Managing Director at Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team (LVET) and Ben Rollett, Chair of Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Alliance in partnership with LocalMotion Lincoln.