In May, the Community Land Trust Network held a workshop to discuss racial justice in the CLT sector. This followed two research projects that we initiated or co-funded. The conversations at that workshop sparked deep reflection on our history and practice: where we’ve taken steps forward, where we’ve fallen short and what we need to do differently.
The CLT movement has its roots in the US civil rights movement. The first CLT was created in the late 1960s to secure land and homes for Black communities who had been systematically excluded from ownership. This history makes racial justice central to the CLT movement’s DNA. But it’s not always visible in the UK’s CLT sector.
While social justice and equity have been central to the CLT Network’s work since its founding in 2010, we recognise that we need to do more.
We are sharing our racial justice journey for transparency and accountability. It’s not a finished story, and we are inviting members and supporters to help shape what comes next. Please read the document below to find out about our journey and hear what our next steps are. You can share feedback anonymously on our journey and plans by completing the survey. All feedback is anonymous.
“CLTs exist to tackle injustice and put power back into the hands of communities. That must include tackling racial injustice in our land and property systems. But we know intentions aren’t enough and we’re committed to doing better – we are listening, learning and acting.”