Applying Equity to Our Work
We believe acknowledging there are power structures rooted in inequity, and ingraining sustainability and resilience work in equity is essential to what we do. Inequities in our institutions, systems and policies limit positive outcomes and quality of life for all. We also know that race and ethnicity are primary predictors of a person’s outcomes across all social indicators and societal systems. Additionally, we recognize that those who contribute the least to climate change are typically the most vulnerable to the threats caused by a changing climate.
Therefore, SSDN commits to:
- Providing spaces where participating members, staff, the Board, and partners feel welcome to fully engage regardless of their identities, experiences, and positions.
- Creating growth and leadership opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the network and across the region.
- Creating a safe space for participating members to learn about equity and how it intersects with sustainability and resiliency.
- Supporting participating members work in equity.
- Structuring decisions, resources, and partnerships that support our principles and core values.
- Accelerating adoption of equity values and commitments in our field of practice.
- Being accountable to our principles by regularly assessing messaging, recruitment tactics, decision-making structure, internal practices and culture to ensure our network operations reflect our core values.
- Supporting and encouraging participating members in their journeys to build relationships outside of the network with diverse groups of stakeholders.
When we achieve racial and ethnic equity, we believe that all people in the region will benefit.
