Cuddle Sanctuary’s credo of being warmly welcoming to all was never good enough. Deep in my heart, I think I always knew that. Systemic racism is vicious; much more is needed to make things right in our broken culture.

Cuddle Sanctuary is an organization founded and benefited by my white privilege. It’s time to use the resources at my fingertips to be a part of the solution.

There’s someone I’d like you to meet

I want to introduce you to someone special who’s been helping behind the scenes. Victoria Elizabeth (she/her) has provided social media support for Cuddle Sanctuary since 2017. I’m proud to announce her new role as our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant. Victoria is a remarkable, multi-talented woman. She received her BFA at California College of the Arts and performs Electro RnB as Black Monroe.

Victoria and I are working on a diversity initiative to help me and Cuddle Sanctuary share power, speak up and take action in a variety of ways including:

• Integrate diversity lessons into our training and offer scholarships for people of color
• Amplify the voices of wellness professionals of color 
• Be a resource for people with white privilege to learn about systemic racism
• Support organizations, people and efforts striving for racial equity

Cuddle Sanctuary should be apolitical

For many people this is a charged issue that may seem political. For me, it’s in line with the values of compassion and human dignity that I strive for in everything we do at Cuddle Sanctuary. I invite you to ask me questions (even the tough ones) or share your thoughts. Be kind with me; I promise to do the same.