Taking a Stance for Equity and Inclusion at Delaware Nature Society

Days after George Floyd's murder, protests and calls for justice were seen and heard not just around the country, but around the world. The increased visibility of racial violence and police brutality is highlighting the painful reality that our country is rooted in systemic racism. This is a period of growing discomfort for many white people and the institutions they serve. Many are beginning to uncover and challenge their own complicity and unconscious racial biases. It is time to harness that discomfort, learn from it, and take action as individuals and organizations.

The wrongful deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others evoked a period of shock and mourning at Delaware Nature Society (DelNature). Staff and leadership agreed that it was our duty as a community organization to join in the movement by vocally opposing racism. We quickly began collaborating on a public statement. Working on the statement made us realize the importance of using our platform to stand with those demanding equality.

In fact, it was long overdue.

By staying silent in the past, we were displaying our privilege and inadvertently causing harm. Environmental organizations have played a role in injustice, showcased by their often white and exclusive history. It is now time for us to be part of the solution.

Some at DelNature were nervous about releasing a statement not directly related to the environmental field, but the two issues are inseparable. "Outdoor recreational spaces and environmental policy are not exempt from the racism and inequality that is perpetuated throughout the nation…" the final statement read. We have stood with our community members as they experienced the value of the natural world and often call on them to help us defend it through our advocacy efforts. It is only right that we now stand with our family, friends, colleagues, and community members of color suffering and demanding justice.

Upon sharing our statement with staff, the Board of Directors, and the public, positive feedback poured in while the criticism we feared only trickled. Staff, Board members, and supporters shared gratefulness that DelNature took a stance for racial equity and inclusion.

What minimal negative feedback we did receive proved a learning opportunity. Responses from those who do not understand their white privilege emphasized to us that our constituents are all at different places in this difficult journey of growth. In the future, we will tailor messages to educate as well as call to action.

Comments highlighting mistakes renewed the feeling of discomfort, but also reminded us that we are constantly learning. For example, two words in our statement, “white” and “less inclusive,” were put in quotation marks. Anti-racist writer and activist Rachel Cargle states that quotations can imply air quotes and sarcasm, thereby changing the meaning of a well-intentioned sentence.

We also received a comment asking, "Why now? Why did it take DelNature so long to oppose racism and an unjust system?" This comment was more powerful than 200 "thank you" messages because the commenter highlighted the long history of pain from communities of color that went mostly unheard by advocates like us. It is upon us now to reflect on this pain and acknowledge it in our messages and actions going forward.

It takes courage to overcome the discomfort of acknowledging privilege and mistakes made, and even more courage to make that learning process public. But by maintaining that courage, environmental organizations can support one another as we walk through this uncomfortable journey together.

Our statement denouncing systemic racism was a necessary first step for DelNature. While some organization's statements included action items, ours serves as a commitment to follow through with actions that support this stance. The next steps following a statement will differ between organizations. Perhaps they share news on their work focused on local environmental justice initiatives. Systemic racism could be worked into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) trainings. Or maybe staff, leadership, and Board members come together to plan a course of action.

It is important to be intentional that your statement condemning recent acts of violence and racism is a pledge to do better in the future. Even as the media moves on from Floyd and the protests, commit to continue supporting those fighting for justice and equality.

For more resources to assist you in communicating about DEIJ, Racism, and Justice, please see the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s DEIJ Commitment page.

Laura Miller is the Environmental Advocate at Delaware Nature Society and Choose Clean Water Coalition’s Delaware State Lead