diversity, equity, inclusion.
When I opened the Your Alpaca Cottage (formerly the Decatur Alpaca Cottage) in 2016, I knew I wanted to do it right, including drafting a mission statement to help guide and ensure the business stayed aligned with the core values I hold in my heart. I felt good about that version of our mission statement and considered it ‘done’.
In 2020, as the world was in the midst of a global health crisis and longstanding inequities came to a head, I realized that in spite of having been involved in multiculturalism and diversity training since the late-1980’s, not only did I have so much more to learn (and unlearn) but also our mission statement needed revisiting. Working closely with LaToia Burkley of Your Big Debut, a renewed version of our Mission Statement was born. I continue to work with LaToia and now view Your Alpaca Cottage’s mission statement as a living, breathing, dynamic set of guidelines with room to adapt and grow as I continue to learn. You can read the current version of our Mission Statement below.
Mission Statement
Your Alpaca Cottage is an LGBTQ+ owned business rooted in Community, Inclusion, Philanthropy, and Hospitality. The Cottage is a place for our guests to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with loved ones.
COMMUNITY//
We welcome everyone and we are actively committed to anti-racism. Hateful words and actions in any form toward our staff, animals, guests, grounds, and the surrounding community will not be tolerated.
INCLUSION//
We value kindness, diversity, equity, and inclusion and strive to create a business that reflects those values. We are dedicated to facilitating joy, nurturing allyship, and acting as a positive force in our beloved local community.
HOSPITALITY//
We provide an incomparable guest experience in a welcoming, inclusive, and relaxed atmosphere for guests who seek fun and unique vacation and staycations.
PHILANTHROPY//
We intend to generate a reasonable return on our family’s investment, be a regular donor to alpaca and llama rescue efforts and organizations, and to finance continued growth that supports our ability to host our guests and their special events.
Alongside our supporting team of a diverse group of vendors, we diligently hold ourselves to maintaining an environment that is friendly, respectful, and creative. We encourage new ideas and optimism, for our future and yours.
As a part of our commitment to diversity and to improve the experience of our transgender and non-binary guests and customers, Your Alpaca Cottage has taken the Transfriend.ly pledge. This is a commitment to our transgender guests and an assurance that Your Alpaca Cottage is a safe space.