Our Commitment to Equity
The Choose Clean Water Coalition staff join the broader environmental and conservation community in condemning the recent acts of violence against the Black community. The recent civic unrest is the result of unaddressed systemic racism in this country. Violence against communities of color will continue until we as individuals decide to make and push for change.
Bringing this to the Chesapeake Bay watershed level, we as a community have long discussed the desire and need to engage with diverse communities in our watershed; it was part of the catalyst for the creation of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Action Guide. However, in order to achieve our goals, our community first needs to understand and address the bias and/or racism within ourselves and our own organizations.
The reality is that people of color in this country are at greater risk of violence when they are participating in the very activities that we encourage people to do. Going for a run, hiking in the woods, or birding in a city park, can put people of color into life or death situations. Until we understand this and address it, we cannot expect to see a difference in the make-up of the communities that we engage.
The Choose Clean Water Coalition is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. And this commitment is more than just words. It’s time for us to take action. Below are the steps people, especially white and non-Black people of color, can take right now:
Here Is What You Can Do Right Now:
Start with yourself. Do your own internal reflection and assessment with an implicit bias test.
While you may not see it, many of our Black colleagues and people of color are struggling. They are filled with sadness, grief, anger, and exhaustion. Provide your Black staff and people of color with additional resources and support. Offer flexible and/or additional time off, resources, counseling, etc. Whatever they need.
Provide white staff with anti-racist resources, like this one. You will find a list of books, films, social media accounts, podcasts, and other resources.
If staff are emotionally ready, create a voluntary safe space for discussion on one of the resources above or the events of this week.
Do not place the burden of learning and discussion on Black staff. Do your homework and your own research to expand your knowledge.
Create and send out a culture audit of your organization using this guide.
Use this resource to learn what managers and staff can do to support each other during these tough times.
Call To Action:
Make a personal donation. Find a long list of opportunities here.
Patronize black-owned businesses and restaurants in your area.
Write to your elected officials about actions that you want them to take to dismantle systemic racism.
Make sure you are registered to vote.
If you have any other resources or suggestions, please do not hesitate to send them to our team. We would like to continue to share these opportunities with all of our members as they arise.
The Coalition has made great progress, but now is the time for us to push ahead and recommit ourselves to this essential work. Please join us in this effort.
-The Choose Clean Water Coalition