Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Conservation

Go to: Get involved | Cal-IPC JEDI Statement | JEDI Resources

2018 Symposium EDI Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plenary Kelli English, Amanda Rowland, Fernando Villalba, Marcos A. Trinidad.

The 2018 Symposium featured a plenary session on integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into conservation, with (left to right) Kelli English, Amanda Rowland, Fernando Villalba, and Marcos A. Trinidad. Photo: Claire F. Meyler

Protecting biological diversity is a key part of in Cal-IPC’s mission. Protecting cultural and intellectual diversity is important to our success as well. Achieving our conservation goals requires participation across all communities in California. We want to help ensure that the demographics of people who actively engage in land management efforts mirrors the changing demographics of people who live in this state.

Get involved

We want to include as many diverse perspectives as possible. If you have an interest in this work and would like to get regular updates and provide input, please sign up for the mailing list for our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) efforts.

JOIN JEDI MAILING LIST

Cal-IPC Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) works to protect California’s environment and economy from invasive plants. We do this work on behalf of all Californians, and our success depends on engaging people from many backgrounds and communities. Successful conservation relies on partnerships that include all Californians regardless of ethnicity, race, age, ability, language, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, economic situation, or political affiliation.

Justice refers to the systematic fair treatment of people of all backgrounds, resulting in equitable opportunities and outcomes for all, including the creation of deliberate systems and supports to achieve and sustain equity through proactive and preventative measures. Equity can be defined as fair treatment and opportunity for all people while addressing root causes of societal disparities and injustices. Diversity is all the ways in which people differ, such as individual characteristics and background. And inclusion means creating environments and employing practices which ensure that any individual or group is and feels welcome to fully participate. (Definitions adapted from independentsector.org and racialequitytools.org). Integrating principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) into our work is essential to Cal-IPC’s success, and we commit to putting JEDI principles into action in all aspects of our work. Below, we outline our initial strategies for beginning this process.

      • Cal-IPC will create a JEDI committee comprising board members, staff and diverse interested partners to facilitate integration of JEDI into all aspects of our work.
      • Cal-IPC will include its members in guiding this effort.
      • Cal-IPC will create an organizational JEDI Action Plan that delineates specific actions to be taken.
      • Cal-IPC will incorporate inclusive language into written and oral communications and materials.
      • Cal-IPC will design new programs, and reassess current ones, to ensure that they equitably and inclusively work with a diverse range of communities.
      • Cal-IPC will set a positive example and aim to be a leader in JEDI within our membership and the broader conservation community.
      • Cal-IPC will use its communications – including its newsletter, social media and Symposium – to open dialog and share JEDI information and success stories.
      • Cal-IPC will incorporate JEDI best practices in recruitment, hiring and retention and will foster an inclusive workplace.
      • Cal-IPC will work to empower individuals to provide feedback to each other in a constructive and respectful manner.
      • Cal-IPC will spend funds to support this work as needed

JEDI resources for conservation

Extensive resources exist online for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Below is a small selection. Find more online in our Google resources spreadsheet for JEDI.