Walking Mountains Science Center stands in solidarity with the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community and those advocating for social justice. From the backyard to the backcountry, in every community, everyone should feel safe in the outdoors.
Throughout our history, we have strived to provide equal access to our programs for our diverse community but we acknowledge that there is so much more work to be done as an organization, and as individuals. We are committed to affecting change towards justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) throughout our organization and mission, all aspects of our work, and our community.
We know that the work is an on-going process and here are the next steps we are taking towards these goals in the immediate future:
Throughout our history, we have strived to provide equal access to our programs for our diverse community but we acknowledge that there is so much more work to be done as an organization, and as individuals. We are committed to affecting change towards justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) throughout our organization and mission, all aspects of our work, and our community.
We know that the work is an on-going process and here are the next steps we are taking towards these goals in the immediate future:
- In 2019, Walking Mountains' entire staff participated in JEDI training resulting in the establishment of a dedicated internal JEDI Committee. The committee works to guide our efforts to reach and welcome more BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ communities now and in the future. We will continue to make meaningful changes to our hiring, training, and employment practices to better diversify our organization and culture.
- Our board of directors has undertaken an initiative to bring more diversity into governance positions. We have formed a Community Advisory Committee made up of diverse community members that will help inform our governance, operations, and programs.
- Partnering with other organizations in our community we have created the Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement (EVOM) which focuses on underserved communities to provide equitable access to opportunities in nature.
- In order to create more access for our programs, starting this academic school year we will eliminate most Field Science Program fees for our local public schools and other students in need.
- We will continue to explore initiatives for our board, staff, and community that will further the important social equity and environmental education work that we do.
