Acknowledgements
We begin by
remembering.
Care asks us to recognize the land beneath us, the labor that sustains us, and the people whose lives and legacies shape our community.
Land acknowledgement
We acknowledge, with humility, that the land of the Massawomeck Tribe today is the territory of the Iroquoian People of western Maryland and eastern West Virginia. Their presence is imbued in the Antietam and Conococheague valleys, and mountains of the traditional homelands of the Iroquoian People, since time immemorial.
Learn about land acknowledgementsGratitude
We gather today in the spirit of gratitude, recognizing the labor of those who have come before us, particularly those whose work has been obscured by systemic oppression. We honor the resilience and strength of Black, Indigenous, and marginalized communities, whose labor—both seen and unseen—has built the very foundations of this land.
Justice
In the pursuit of justice, we acknowledge that true liberation is intertwined with the principles of abolition. We reject systems that perpetuate inequity and violence, understanding that labor is not merely a transaction but a vital expression of our humanity. Every act of work, whether in the fields, factories, homes, or communities, is a testament to the love, struggle, and dreams of those who came before us.
Commitment
Let us commit to honoring this legacy by creating spaces of equity and care, where love guides our actions. We strive to build communities where all labor is valued, where dignity is upheld, and where every individual is free to thrive without fear of oppression. Together, we envision a future rooted in justice, solidarity, and the transformative power of love.
Acknowledgement in practice
Words begin the work.
Our choices carry it forward.
Acknowledgement becomes meaningful when it continues through listening, learning, and action.
Listen deeply
Make room for lived experience, community knowledge, and voices that have too often been overlooked.
Learn continually
Approach history with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to keep growing beyond a single statement.
Act with care
Let what we learn shape how we share resources, build relationships, make decisions, and care for one another.
Continue with care
Reflection is a beginning, not an ending.
Stay present, keep learning, and explore how Eliza’s House carries its values into community care.
