Before you begin preparing to host a fundraiser or planning an event to benefit Black lives, it’s important to ask yourself and your fellow organizing team the following questions:

• Are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) represented in the group of decision makers for this event? 
  
• Are BIPOC voices centered throughout the entire event?
  
• If planning to hold conversations/discussions, have we arranged to have facilitators who are experienced in holding and making space with and for BIPOC? 
  
• Is our intention to form a long-term partnership with the BIPOC we are working with on this event or is this a one-time collaboration?
  
• At what stage in our process did we reach out to include BIPOC? Was the event already planned and now we are asking for their support or approval, or were they included from the original conception of the event so their needs could be centered?
  
• What is the authentic impact this initiative will have on Black lives? Find more here: “Be wary of things that are purely symbolic”: How to join the conversation on race
  

Once you’ve addressed each of the above questions and are prepared to reach out to your BIPOC partner(s), please consider the following additional guidelines:

• Provide adequate notice -- BIPOC organizers have multiple priorities to grow the work they have been committed to doing for years. Last minute requests place an undue burden on them. BIPOC organizers should be asked to be involved from the beginning of the organizing process and be included in the discussions about the timeline, including the date of the event.
  
• Explain who is benefiting from funds raised-- If you are asking BIPOC or racial justice organizers to advertise or promote a fundraising event that you are planning, it is critical that you share how much and where funds raised will be donated. If your business or organization is keeping a percentage of funds raised, the perception may be that you are seeking to benefit from the endorsement. 
  
• Be prepared to accept “no” -- BIPOC organizers have many reasons that they might not agree to participate in or support your event. Asking for additional time or explanations places an unnecessary demand on their time and energy, which you have not yet earned. 
  

One of the guiding principles of SURJ is accountability through collective action. Accountability means that we are in relationship with and take our direction from BIPOC-led organizations. We get many requests to endorse and advertise events that do not meet basic accountability guidelines. Unfortunately if your event seems to be one of those, we are unable to support it. We appreciate your understanding and hope that these guidelines are helpful in planning your next event!