A Statement from the President of the Board
The Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center is committed to creating more inclusive outdoor spaces where people can join together to forge connections. We understand that marginalized communities suffer negative environmental impacts more than others do. Therefore, we invite all members of the region we serve with open arms in our efforts to preserve, protect, and restore the Mount Shasta bioregional area. Historically, the Center has joined with local tribal leaders to further mutual goals together, and it is our aim to reinforce these relationships and broaden collaborations with all historically underrepresented groups in the region. Please join us in our efforts to expand the reach of our important work together.
Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center’s
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement:
The Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center has a long-standing commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEI&A). We recognize the value of diversity in the ecological environments within our region, and how the variability of wildlife, plant species, water systems, and geographic locations create vital ecosystems that sustain the beauty and life of our bioregion. This recognition extends to the diversity of human beings. The diversity of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, abilities, religious beliefs, economic standing, and education levels of individuals who make up our vibrant population make us a more agile and strong organization. As an adaptable organization, we believe that change begins with humility and self-reflection. To these ends we commit to engaging in education and training to increase our understanding of how to best integrate the values we hold regarding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility into everyday practices. With humility and honesty, we commit to ongoing organizational improvement and reflection to better serve our communities and to engage in actions that realize these values with integrity. When we consider DEI&A, we operationalize these values and commitments as follows:
Diversity
We are aware that people and groups have many things in common, and also recognize that people are diverse and there is value in these differences. Varying backgrounds provide different experiences that can promote fresh ideas and creative ways of resolving complex environmental problems. Keeping the diverse make-up of members, volunteers, staff, supporters, and followers in the forefront of our mind allows us to better respond to the communities and individuals we support in our efforts to protect the environment and varied cultural values.
Equity
No individual will be left out of conversations because of their differences. We will promote equity by seeking to remove barriers and promote equal access to safe outdoor experiences, employment, education, and environmental awareness by improving our communications and supporting these ideals with effective actions. We recognize the importance of ensuring that all individuals have fair access to opportunities to engage in constructive dialogues that further the protection of fragile ecosystems that support life in the Mount Shasta bioregion.
Inclusion
We encourage a culture that recognizes the value of different experiences and viewpoints. We also recognize that in order to create an inclusive environment we must be thoughtful of our words and actions, and how these impact others. In doing so, we actively create an environment whereby, all people will feel welcome to participate. By engaging in inclusive practices, we welcome the diversity of human potentials, values, backgrounds, viewpoints, and ideas to draw upon in our efforts to fulfill MSBEC’s Mission. Recognizing that marginalized communities suffer the greatest relative negative impacts from environmental externalities and degradation, we strongly support the inclusion of underrepresented groups in developing mitigation strategies during project development that can be completed during implementation.
Accessibility
Communications, information, programs, and educational opportunities will be made with accessibility in mind so that all people including individuals with differing abilities can fully participate in MSBEC activities. We openly encourage the use and creation of facilities that allow for the full and independent use of outdoor environments. We actively endorse activities that replace stigma with respect.