Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At its October meeting the Board unanimously approved the following policy statement:

Just as the National Audubon Society and many of its chapters have made equity, diversity and inclusion a strategic priority so too has the St. Louis Audubon Society.  For SLAS, this priority first emerged in planning discussions in February 2019 and became part of the resulting 5-year strategic plan for the organization, approved in April 2019.  In this plan we identified as a key principle “the need to increase the diversity of those engaged with and by SLAS, with focus on families, youth, and underrepresented groups”.

Everyone in our region has the right to a close connection with nature as well as the right to a healthy environment.  Education and conservation – the core missions of SLAS – are the way to establish and nurture this connection.

Inequity in our region is widespread.  To thrive as an organization and effectively achieve our mission we must recognize these inequities and value diversity and inclusion.  Then we must put these values into practice.  We must be welcoming.  We must be responsive and active in partnerships with like-minded individuals and groups.  We must represent all those in our community in our leadership, volunteers, staff and membership.

We pledge to put our creativity, leadership and commitment to work to achieve this priority.

Please share with us comments, questions and ideas on this important topic.  You can do so by writing Dennis Martin, President, St. Louis Audubon Society at presidentstlaudubon.org.