People of color working for natural resource organizations: 11% of the staff & 9% of board members*
People of color in the U.S.: over 100 million (about 33% of the population)**
Percentage of environmental institutions with no people of color on staff: 33% of environmental organizations & 22% of government agencies***
* Natural Resources Council of America
**U.S. Census Bureau
*** Minority Environmental Leadership Development Initiative
Center for Diversity & the Environment racially and ethnically diversifies the environmental movement by developing leaders, diversifying institutions, and building community. Click here to contact us
This website provides information about efforts, organizations, people, research and strategies that are diversifying the environmental movement.
WeDefine Environmentalism & Sustainability: A Forum for People of Color, June 27, Portland, OR Email us for details
Diversity for Environmental & Social Change Leadership Series, Session 1: Foundational Concepts, July 13-14, Boston, MA Click here for details
Diversifying the Environmental Movement Picnic/BBQ, July 25, Portland, OR Email us for details
Diversity for Environmental & Social Change Leadership Series, Session 2: Deepening Awareness & Skill Development, July 27-28, Boston, MA Click here for details
Diversifying the Environmental Movement Retreat: Power, Privilege, and Tools for Change, Aug. 18-20, Eagle Creek, OR Email us for details
Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great American Outdoors, Sep. 23-26, Atlanta, GA Click here for details
As the nation continues to diversify, the environmental movement is left with one of the greatest challenges it will face this century. In order to become an influential and sustainable movement for generations to come, it needs to successfully address its diversity crisis. In this essay, the authors, Marcelo Bonta and Charles Jordan, analyze the problem, acknowledge past and current diversity efforts, provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to diversifying, and stress the importance of diversifying in the right way. They provide action-oriented solutions at the movement, organizational, and individual levels.
During an early summer morning, Marcelo Bonta and his daughter happily explore the wonders of their local park, from maidenhair ferns to red-backed salamanders. But Bonta’s joy fades as he begins to wonder about Kyra's place in the current, too-white environmental movement. Will her experiences with the movement be as frustrating as his? Or will the movement succeed in diversifying enough to serve future generations?
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.