DEI Statement
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) is a voice for all people seeking the benefits of recovery. We are committed to doing the work necessary to address the struggles and inequities diverse groups of people face while seeking recovery services. Systemic racism, discrimination, prejudice, and bias have been deeply ingrained in the history of the American health care system. MOAR is committed to work to create a collective voice for those seeking recovery for all people who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and oppressed.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
MOAR is speaking out about the brutal killing of George Floyd, Manuel Ellis, and the many that have gone before them. These acts of violence transition our anger into inspired action for justice to move towards eliminating racism, violence, and disparities.
The murder of George Floyd was the result of a long history of brutal violence against Black and Brown people waged by certain systemic injustices. We learned that another Black man died while pleading “I can’t breathe.” Manuel Ellis was a 33-year old man in recovery from substance addiction, killed by oxygen deprivation caused by a cruel method of restraint used by law enforcement.
We understand that the killing of unarmed Black people has to do with the ways that racism is part of the structure of U.S. society. We stand in agreement with the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Racism is a Public Health Issue.
We wholeheartedly believe that recovery is for everyone. The MOAR Mission is to organize recovering individuals, families and friends into a collective voice to educate the public about the value of recovery from alcohol and other addictions. We want to erase disparity when it comes to substance addiction, health care and sentencing for persons of color.
We support the protesters in their calls for justice. Brutality in all forms must stop. This requires systemic changes not only in policing, but also in the legal system and virtually all aspects of US society. We will increase our efforts to make this happen.
As we call for system changes to do better, we know that we, as an organization must do better.
We recognize that as an organization, we have not done enough to address systemic racism and the health disparities that manifest for Black and Brown people with substance addiction.
Earlier this year we brought in the innovative team of experienced diversity consultants, Human in Common, to engage us in a thorough organizational assessment.
We are reviewing our internal and external practices to make the fundamental changes necessary to be a truly inclusive organization.
Seeking out injustices is everyone’s obligation. Living with diversity, equity, and inclusion is everyone’s right.
MOAR commits to work alongside and listen to the voices of all communities. MOAR is committed to taking concrete measures to help eliminate racial disparities in accessing recovery from substance addiction.
MOAR is committed to help end racism with racial equity.
DEI Speaker Series
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Speaker Series invites speakers from a range of organizations, communities, and all walks of life, to share experiences around DEI, and discuss strategies aimed at fostering social justice and equity.
MOAR is committed to creating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the recovery community. We hope that by listening, learning and creating safe spaces for open dialogue, we can begin to understandthe many manifestations of racial injustice and inequity.