Our Shared Language
INTRODUCTION
Words and language matter. In an effort to build greater clarity and intentionality, our staff has defined keywords in Wide Angle’s mission statement as well as terms that shape our approach to youth development and social justice. Wide Angle operates at the intersection of media arts, creative youth development, and social change. Our organization believes providing access to free, high quality, media arts education to Baltimore’s young people promotes social justice. Our staff aim to create spaces where youth can tell their own stories with authenticity, confront stereotypes (often ignited by the mainstream media), preserve and present counter-narratives, address historical injustices, and dream of solutions.
The pursuit of becoming an antiracist multicultural organization is a long-term commitment that involves on-going energy, attention, and effort; particularly for organizations like Wide Angle that are “white-led” and serve a majority of students of color. Notably, 80% of nonprofits across the country have white leadership — an ongoing issue within the sector (Building Movement Project). At Wide Angle, we are taking steps to address this gap at both the Board and staff levels. Board initiatives include updated Board recruitment strategies, a goal that over 50% of our Board identify as Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC), and parents/alumni representation. Staff initiatives include centering BIPOC artists in curricula, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression (ARAO) training, investing in professional development to support BIPOC staff moving into leadership roles, and equitable pay, to help recruit and sustain BIPOC staff. Program participants reflect the demographics of Baltimore, with over 80% of youth engaged each year identifying as Black.
In summer 2020, our Communications team decided to specifically investigate organizational word choices that frame Wide Angle’s mission and operations, and create collective definitions. With that goal, the organization embarked on a year-long process to produce this document. The leadership team, media instructors and youth apprentices participated in sessions led by Dena Robinson, Wide Angle’s former DEI Facilitator and a DEI consultant, in fall 2020. Staff continued the process in winter-spring 2021. An external editor and ARAO specialist reviewed the document before the first version was finalized. Using definitions from our acknowledged sources, we have included where appropriate how these words are used within the framework of Wide Angle Youth Media.
This is an evolving, living document intended to reflect what Wide Angle as an organization does, how and why. The meaning and use of words change over time and this document is updated annually to reflect those shifts. If you have comments, questions or concerns about the definitions/words used in this document, leave a comment (via the survey below) for our team during the annual review process.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
These definitions have been collaboratively created by our staff. After months of research, conversation, and group work, some components have also been adapted from and informed by a range of resources, which are credited in the document where directly integrated. For individuals and organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, we have found these resources (cited throughout) to be a good starting point.
Sheila Wells, editing consultant and Development Specialist
Dena Robinson, DEI consultant
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Wide Angle is committed to amplifying youth voices and uplifting stories that are often unheard. As an organization, it is important to acknowledge that as a nonprofit based in Baltimore City, we occupy the traditional, ancestral territory of the Paskestikweya people. We humbly offer our respects to the elders, past, and present citizens of the Cedarville Band of the Piscataway Conoy, the Piscataway Indian Nation, and the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, all Algonquian Peoples.
We have a vibrant vision for a new tomorrow, but it will not become a reality until each of us examines our relationship to the story of colonization and reflects upon the ways in which we may be its beneficiaries. We encourage each of you to research the history of the sacred land you reside upon, in order to start a new chapter, rooted in healing and reconciliation.
