MAVA's Land Acknowledgement Statement

MAVA’s core values stress that diverse backgrounds and viewpoints make us stronger. MAVA is also committed to conducting research on structural racism within volunteerism structures, using research to promote awareness. We encourage change within organizations that engage volunteers, as well as working to build and adapt all MAVA programs and trainings to reflect our increasing knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion in volunteer engagement.

MAVA acknowledges that every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought to the United States against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted.

Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. MAVA acknowledges that we are standing on the ancestral lands of native people. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today.

Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota) is the homeland of indigenous people from many Tribal Nations who have made innumerable contributions to our region. MAVA is committed to learning about the lands we stand on and about the Tribal and Native communities who sacrificed so much and from whom we have much to learn. Please join MAVA as we make a commitment to learn more about our Native history, and about how volunteer engagement fits into this History.