BrainStorm has always believed in the power of change—change in attitudes, change in behavior, and change for the better.  

The events of the past few weeks have been a sobering reminder that the world must change for the better, and it must change now. Like you, we’ve taken time to listen more closely to the voices that aren’t always heard. We hear their words. If we want to stay true to BrainStorm’s credo that Change is Everything, we know that we must take action. We all can—and should—do better. 

As a company, we’re taking three immediate actions and invite you to consider doing the same:

1. Educate yourself

Now is the time to listen, reflect, and learn. We are reading the book So You Want to Talk About Race (as recommended by Megan Carpenter, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Communications and Events at Microsoft) and are reimbursing a copy of the book to any employee who commits to reading and sharing it with someone they know.

2. Write your state legislator

We are writing to our state legislature and asking them to construct an additional police reform bill that prevents any officer who is terminated for (or who resigned under the findings of) misconduct from being allowed to continue to work as an officer elsewhere in the state. You can join us by using this template, adapting it to your local needs, and sending it to your state legislator. This was a specific ask in a compelling interview with Dr. Rashawn Ray, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park. You’ll find this particular action recommendation at minute 12:50.

3. Share what you have learned with your loved ones

Conversations about race can be difficult, but we must have them and continue to listen and learn from one another. Allyship is not a moment or a trend, and we will continue to openly discuss this critical topic as we make BrainStorm (and the world) a more inclusive place. We’ve had these critical conversations with our loved ones and have encouraged every BrainStorm team member to do the same. These conversations are accelerating change for us and informing new initiatives as we move forward.

We are inspired by these words from Nelson Mandela: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” 

There is much to do, and this is only the start. We hope you will join us in the fight. 

- John Wade & Eric Farr, Principal Executives, BrainStorm, Inc.