Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Commitment to Evaluating Our Role in Dismantling Systemic Racism in Outdoor Recreation
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Commitment to Evaluating Our Role in Dismantling Systemic Racism in Outdoor Recreation
As we reflect on our initial statement of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests below, a recent quote from Don Lemon comes to mind; “Words are not a substitute for action, but they help us define what matters”. Since our statement released on June 7th, the Refuge Stewards Board have taken action to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the outdoors. We have formalized a DEI Committee, began reviewing our strategic plan and other documents through a DEI lens, and have committed to community building training with Way Enough Decision Coaching and DEI training with DRC Learning Solutions in the coming months. As we continue to have discussions during meetings and participate in trainings, we strive to address, explore, educate, learn about, and respond to the diversity of the human experience. Our new DEI Committee will help prepare our board, staff, and volunteers to successfully understand diverse perspectives and backgrounds by promoting critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of others. We aim to create an inclusive, equitable, culturally competent, and supportive environment where staff, board members, and volunteers model behavior that enriches our community. If you are interested in working with us in this effort, email volunteer@refugestewards.org.
Statement released June 7th:
The Refuge Stewards believe we carry a great responsibility to protect, preserve, enhance, and restore natural areas to keep them healthy and safe for future generations to experience. However, conservation work does not exist in isolation – we cannot work to protect the health of natural areas without working to ensure the health and safety of our community members, especially our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. We recognize the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others, and the subsequent protests in response to those unnecessary deaths have, for many, including the Refuge Stewards, been a wakeup call. Staying silent is not the way to move toward justice, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors, or in our society. We are committed to listening to and engaging with our community to learn how we can support people of color. Additionally, we will work with other organizations in our region to ensure our opportunities and activities are open, inclusive, and safe for everyone. We will engage our board members and staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion training to learn how to be better stewards -not just of the Gorge Refuges, but of the people who benefit from them. We will continue to amplify BIPOC voices. We know we have a lot to learn and work to do, both as an organization and as a country, but at the heart of the Refuge Stewards is a belief in the Power of Community. Change is possible and we will do our part.
In the process of educating ourselves, we also want to be a resource for the community. To learn along with us, here is a link to a shared folder with DEI resources, our DEI Committee Charter and Guidelines for Interaction during meetings that you are free to use to support your organization and personal growth. If you know of a resource that you think would benefit us, let us know!
As we reflect on our initial statement of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests below, a recent quote from Don Lemon comes to mind; “Words are not a substitute for action, but they help us define what matters”. Since our statement released on June 7th, the Refuge Stewards Board have taken action to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the outdoors. We have formalized a DEI Committee, began reviewing our strategic plan and other documents through a DEI lens, and have committed to community building training with Way Enough Decision Coaching and DEI training with DRC Learning Solutions in the coming months. As we continue to have discussions during meetings and participate in trainings, we strive to address, explore, educate, learn about, and respond to the diversity of the human experience. Our new DEI Committee will help prepare our board, staff, and volunteers to successfully understand diverse perspectives and backgrounds by promoting critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of others. We aim to create an inclusive, equitable, culturally competent, and supportive environment where staff, board members, and volunteers model behavior that enriches our community. If you are interested in working with us in this effort, email volunteer@refugestewards.org.
Statement released June 7th:
The Refuge Stewards believe we carry a great responsibility to protect, preserve, enhance, and restore natural areas to keep them healthy and safe for future generations to experience. However, conservation work does not exist in isolation – we cannot work to protect the health of natural areas without working to ensure the health and safety of our community members, especially our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. We recognize the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others, and the subsequent protests in response to those unnecessary deaths have, for many, including the Refuge Stewards, been a wakeup call. Staying silent is not the way to move toward justice, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors, or in our society. We are committed to listening to and engaging with our community to learn how we can support people of color. Additionally, we will work with other organizations in our region to ensure our opportunities and activities are open, inclusive, and safe for everyone. We will engage our board members and staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion training to learn how to be better stewards -not just of the Gorge Refuges, but of the people who benefit from them. We will continue to amplify BIPOC voices. We know we have a lot to learn and work to do, both as an organization and as a country, but at the heart of the Refuge Stewards is a belief in the Power of Community. Change is possible and we will do our part.
In the process of educating ourselves, we also want to be a resource for the community. To learn along with us, here is a link to a shared folder with DEI resources, our DEI Committee Charter and Guidelines for Interaction during meetings that you are free to use to support your organization and personal growth. If you know of a resource that you think would benefit us, let us know!