Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Mission Statement

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The Brooklyn Aikikai Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee acknowledges that the existence of systemic racism and implicit bias must be confronted and addressed.  

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Our mission: With the goal of reflecting the diversity of New York City in the dojo, the DEIC is formed to expand Brooklyn Aikikai’s capacity for training, tools, and research in navigating and normalizing conversations about racism, sexism, colonial thought, and the cruelty of intolerance.  

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How we realize the mission:  

1. The DEIC supports Brooklyn Aikikai’s stated Mission, Vision, and Commitment to Anti-Racism. We are here to learn aikido by practicing aikido; personally, locally, and globally. We commit to supporting and growing the community of Brooklyn Aikikai.  

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2. The DEIC becomes a place of inquiry and sanctuary. This process is a lens through which we attempt to make sense of disharmony and develop techniques for understanding. It is a value of our dojo and our committee to dig deeper and engage with our discomfort. This includes creating space for discussing institutional and interpersonal oppression that may play out in our practice of aikido.  

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3. The DEIC explores and identifies ways to enhance accessibility to all that Brooklyn Aikikai has to offer.  

In this way, the Brooklyn Aikikai Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee works to ensure that our dojo remains committed to education and presence in anti-oppression and care.