People of color in the U.S.: over 111 million (36.3% of the population)*
The year people of color will be over 50% of the U.S. population: 2042*
People of color working for natural resource organizations: 11% of the staff & 9% of board members**
Percentage of environmental institutions with no people of color on staff: 33% of environmental organizations & 22% of government agencies***
* U.S. Census Bureau
** Natural Resources Council of America
*** Multicultural Environmental Leadership Development Initiative
Center for Diversity & the Environment racially and ethnically diversifies the U.S. environmental movement by developing leaders, diversifying institutions, and building community.
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“The Center for Diversity & the Environment (CDE) is an important bridge for the environmental movement. For individuals and organizations, CDE can serve as a connector to different areas of thought, between challenges and solutions, and offer real direction towards the future of our field.” ~ Ernesto Pepito, Crissy Field Center, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Our services and programs include:
• Equity Engagement & Strategy Session- A process that builds a strong foundation, organizational capacity, and strategic direction for successful diversity, equity, and inclusion work. For organizations at the early stages of diversity work.
• Equity Audit- A tool and process that asseses the current reality and provides strategic direction for diversifying an environmental organization. For organizations at the intermediate to advanced levels of diversity work.
• Exploring Power, Privilege and Tools for Change Retreat- Our foundational 2-day retreat that includes diversity training and provides tools to develop action-based solutions at the individual, organizational, and movement-wide levels.
Check out this inspirational video about our gatherings- www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmOt4fislGk.
• Environment 2042 Leadership Program - An advanced training series for top leaders that exemplifies a diverse, inclusive culture, demonstrating how environmental institutions will need to operate for success in the 21st Century, especially by 2042 when the U.S. will be over 50% people of color.
• Environmental Professionals of Color (EPOC)- A national network of people of color who are working to create a more sustainable future for all. Many are often the only person or one of the few people of color working at their environmental institutions. If you are a person of color interested in joining the EPOC network, email us.
Click here for detailed information about our programs, services and with whom we have worked.
A 2009 national poll, commissioned by The Nature Conservancy, shows that voters of color are concerned about loss of habitat and open space, global warming, and pollution 14-22% higher than white voters. Furthermore, voters of color from all socio-economic levels are more willing to pay for solutions. The report concludes that "communities of color in America are some of the most dedicated supporters of conservation."
A groundbreaking book in which over 15 environmental leaders representing various disciplines share their thoughts about why diversity and inclusivity is important to the movement.
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