Descendants Forum Membership Agreement

Welcome to the Descendants Forum (DF).

The Forum is a growing congress of organizations led by descendants of enslaved African and African American ancestors. By joining the Forum, member organizations participate in shaping a collaborative network dedicated to remembrance, research, justice, and repair.

This agreement outlines the basic commitments of member organizations and the good-faith commitments of the Descendants Forum during its founding period.

Member Organization Commitments

Organizations that join the Descendants Forum agree to the following:

  1. Designate a Point of Contact

    Each member organization will designate a primary Point of Contact who will serve as the organization’s representative for communications and coordination with the Forum.

  2. Participation in Virtual Meetings

    The designated Point of Contact commits to participating in approximately four virtual meetings during the next twelve months. These meetings will provide opportunities to: share information among member organizations, identify common goals and priorities, discuss the Forum’s developing structure, and prepare for the inaugural convening.

  3. Participation in the Inaugural Convening

    Member organizations commit, if possible, to sending at least one representative to the Forum’s inaugural convening. During this convening, the Congress of member organizations will: determine the Forum’s formal governance structure, ratify bylaws and guiding principles, elect the Forum’s inaugural Board of Directors.

  4. Good-Faith Participation

Member organizations agree to participate in the Forum in a spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared commitment to the Forum’s mission.

Commitments of the Descendants Forum

During its founding phase, the Descendants Forum commits to making good-faith efforts to:

  1. Maintain Communication Infrastructure

    Maintain a listserv, website, and other communication channels to ensure member organizations receive updates, meeting information, and opportunities for collaboration.Participation in Virtual Meetings

    The designated Point of Contact commits to participating in approximately four virtual meetings during the next twelve months. These meetings will provide opportunities to: share information among member organizations, identify common goals and priorities, discuss the Forum’s developing structure, and prepare for the inaugural convening.

  2. Facilitate Collaboration Among Members

    Provide opportunities for member organizations to connect with one another, share knowledge, and develop collaborative initiatives related to descendant research, remembrance, and repair.

  3. Provide a Platform for Collective Voice

    When appropriate and feasible, help coordinate collective communications or calls to action that reflect the shared interests of member organizations.

  4. Support the Development of the Forum’s Governance

    Facilitate the collaborative process through which the Congress of member organizations will develop the Forum’s governance structure and elect its inaugural Board of Directors.

  5. Organize the Inaugural Convening

    Coordinate planning for the Forum’s first convening, where member organizations will formally establish the institution’s governance framework.