The Partnership Pledge is a guide for Russell residents and RPOP partners to establish decision making processes around investments, future strategies, policy and advocacy, and alignment with shared values and vision. The Pledge represents months of collaboration between RPOP and Russell residents and defines RPOP’s relationship, and the relationship we hope our partners will adopt, with Russell residents as we build Black wealth. The Pledge embodies principles to stabilize, create and grow Black wealth in the Russell community.
Black wealth is worth beyond debt and income.
Black wealth is a sense of security that allows Black inheritors to be self sufficient and abundant.
Black wealth exists in the stories we tell our children, the landscape of our homes, and in the values we share within our families.
Black wealth is protecting our property, values and roots.
Black wealth is the fruit of our labor and the effort to provide stable and thriving lifestyles for future generations.
Together, we are stabilizing opportunities for Black wealth building.
Together, we are creating new opportunities for the Russell community to build Black wealth.
Together, we are growing opportunities for Black wealth building.
Will you join us?
Black Wealth is:
"We are redefining wealth. We are driven to think critically and consciously with Russell at the center. We, the people of Russell, are the promise of the community."
- Russell residents, R4R Coalition, RPOP team, & signers of the Partnership Pledge
WHY SIGN THE PLEDGE?
Why is RPOP presenting a Partnership Pledge?
A Partnership Pledge is standard for resident and partner/stakeholder accountability in neighborhood planning and development. RPOP is ensuring that investors, development and services in the neighborhood center the upliftment of wealth and health of the Russell community.
Who wrote the Partnership Pledge?
The Pledge was collectively written by RPOP team members and members of the Russell for Russell Resident Coalition.
I don’t live in Russell. Should I sign the Pledge?
Yes! Non-residents can sign the Pledge to show solidarity with the Pledge’s mission and purpose.
What if a Russell resident doesn’t agree with the document?
The Pledge will be reviewed and updated by Russell residents and RPOP team members to make sure it continues to align with resident values and priorities. The Pledge is a fluid, living document and subject to change as additional resident voices are considered.
What if current partners do not want to sign? Current partners will be made aware that their decision is out of alignment with Russell residents, community, and neighborhood. We will encourage partners to consult with RPOP about the value of signing the Pledge and keep an open door policy to discuss questions.
Can or should non-Russell residents sign the Pledge? Yes, non-Russell residents can sign the Pledge to show solidarity with the mission and purpose of theRussell Partnership Pledge.
What if a partner signs the Partnership Pledge and does not follow through-- what do we do? Partners that sign the Pledge but do not follow through will be asked to meet with Russell residents to discuss their concerns and ways in which the partner's actions could be brought into alignment with the Pledge.
What if a Russell resident does not agree with the document? The Partnership Pledge will be reviewed and updated by the Russell resident signers, RPOP staff, workgroups, and Russell for Russell Coalition.
What is a good neighbor? Accountable, kind, protective, and forward-thinking. A good neighbor takes care of all aspects of thecommunity and neighborhood- past, present and future. A good neighbor is knowledgeable of theiractions and understands they have the possibility to affect the community. Good neighbors movewith principle ubuntu- a South African principle stating “I am because you are”.
How often will the document be reviewed and/or revised? The Partnership Pledge is a fluid, living document. The principles, organization, and implementation of this effort are subject to change as additional resident voices are considered. The document will be reviewed and revised by RPOP, R4R Coalition, and Russell resident signees every 2 years in the incubation phase of Russell: A Place of Promise. Post-incubation the Pledge will be revised in the time frame chosen by the operators of Russell: A Place of Promise.
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