Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity

Everyone is welcome!

Policy on Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity

Black River Audubon Society is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, volunteers, and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias.

We’re committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.

We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board and leadership, and we strive to listen to their views and give them value.

We’re committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.

Our board’s philosophy on our goals to provide informed leadership for diversity, inclusion, and equity include:

  • We will strive to see diversity, inclusion, and equity in connection with our vision and mission for the benefit of those we serve.

  • We aim to recognize and address inequities in our policies, programs, and services.

  • We promise to investigate underlying assumptions that interfere with our diversity policy.

  • We commit to advocating for systemic inequities that impact our work at the board level and address it according to this policy and in accordance with our mission.

  • We will dedicate our time and resources to expanding greater diversity within our board and leadership positions.

  • We commit to leading with respect and tolerance, and we encourage all employees and volunteers to express this in their work within our organization.

Black River Audubon Society agrees to abide by the following action items to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in our work:

  • We will create new learning opportunities and we strive for cultural competency throughout our organization.

  • We will take action to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity in our board and leadership positions.

  • We will identify resources for our underrepresented constituents by networking with other organizations that are also committed to efforts for diversity, inclusion, and equity.

  • We will develop internal resources that demonstrate our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity and present them to our members and members of our community.

  • We will develop a system to create awareness, and address biases during our board and leadership recruiting and evaluating processes.