In solidarity: June 19 and beyond

This message was shared with Mastercard employees on June 12, 2020. 

Colleagues,

We see you, we hear you and we are here for you.

Compounding the very real challenges we’re navigating due to COVID-19, the events of the past few weeks have impacted our colleagues in very profound ways, in the U.S. and around the world. Many of us are still processing the events that have led to social unrest.

That’s why we’re designating Friday, June 19 as a Mastercard Day of Solidarity (June 18 for locations that have a Sunday to Thursday work week). This is a Community Day, an opportunity for us to unite and lead with humanity, through individual acts of solidarity.

June 19 marks Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. In support of Mastercard’s statement last week about What We Stand For, the day is a perfect opportunity for all of us around the world to pause and reflect. While the date itself acknowledges a milestone in U.S. history, the sad fact is there’s work to do everywhere to combat racism and discrimination.

This will be a Community Day and how you spend it is entirely up to you. Here are some suggestions: 

• LEARN - Educate yourself on the history of racism around the world and in America
  

• ACT – Take action to fight injustice by volunteering with or donating to a civil rights organization, performing Acts of Kindness (extended through June 30), or attending a peaceful protest. If you do use some time during the day to volunteer, please log your hours in MC Cares.

• REFLECT – Take care of your mental health and well-being. Exercise, meditate or access free counseling and other resources offered through the Live Well platform.

We have a way to go to bring equality and justice to all – and it won’t be easy. As one step, we hope this Day of Solidarity allows you to reset, refresh and extend decency and compassion to yourself and to others.

This is the core of what unites us at Mastercard.