Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Committing to the Journey Together
We believe it is only possible to be successful when there is an open and transparent exchange of ideas, when the contributions and perspectives of all individuals are welcomed, and when all voices are heard.
Our Commitment
We are on this journey with you. We are committed to our personal responsibility to invite, welcome and support full participation and inclusion - no matter an individual’s race, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage or nationality; religious or political beliefs; sexual orientation or gender identity; or socioeconomic, veteran or ability status.
We acknowledge that there are clear disparities in education, income, and employment. Systemic barriers prevent communities of color, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups from accessing healthy food, the outdoors, recreation, transportation, and healthcare, and concentrate the effects of pollution and environmental degradation in these communities. Structural racism continues to disproportionately impact people of color, leading to higher rates of incarceration, lack of accumulated wealth, and lower life expectancy.
To begin dismantling the system of structural racism, we must become actively anti-racist. We must also commit to working together internally and externally to implement new policies to address inequities, tear down barriers and build a system that puts justice, equity and inclusion first.
As leaders and as mission-driven organizations we must commit to a deliberate process of our own learning. We must actively engage stakeholders who bring different perspectives to our work, we must expand the diversity of our staff, of our boards and in the leadership of our organizations. We must identify policies, programs, and decisions that perpetuate the current system and develop new policies and programs that will dismantle barriers and advance racial, environmental, and social justice.
We commit to supporting your journey, as we commit to continuing our own.
Elise and Emily