ABOUT US

Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are Critical to our Work

Point Blue’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Why Statement is meant to answer the question, “Why is DEI a priority at Point Blue?” A why statement provides inspiration and purpose for our work, because when our “why” is clear, it can help to clarify what we will do, and how we will get there.

WHY is diversity, equity and inclusion important for conservation?

By learning from, collaborating with, and becoming a more diverse network, we will advance conservation outcomes that are better-informed, durable, and contribute to a brighter future with healthy ecosystems for wildlife and all human communities. Healthy ecosystems are essential to the well-being of all of us. The actions needed to protect the natural world will only happen through authentic partnerships, including with those who have previously been underrepresented and excluded from decision making and benefit-sharing. We humbly seek to expand our partnerships by advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and the conservation field.

WHY is diversity, equity and inclusion important for Point Blue as an organization?

By creating a culture rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion we will be able to foster an open environment that allows everyone to feel welcome, safe and inspired. As a science-focused organization, we value a learning mindset and strive to expand our collective understanding of how we define and develop science. As a community of people driven by a collective vision, we seek to embrace principles of justice, reciprocity, and openness, as well as transparent and inclusive decision making. We also choose to grow and celebrate the diversity of our staff and community.

WHY is diversity, equity and inclusion important for Point Blue as a member of a broader society?

To achieve our goal of developing sustainable solutions to climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental threats we must recognize that ecological conservation is inextricably linked to social and environmental justice. The field of conservation cannot be separated from the history of discriminatory practices rooted in systemic racism, colonialism, patriarchy, and white privilege which has resulted in the social and environmental inequities we see today. These systems have created and exacerbated disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and other forms of identity. As a leader in the conservation field, we have a responsibility to acknowledge these inequities and to recognize our role in maintaining them. Only then can we meaningfully begin to identify, learn from, and address these injustices, such as the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their lands, the lack of access for many to careers in the conservation field and to natural places, and the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation on communities of color.

Ongoing Progress

Some highlights of the work we’ve done include:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group: Established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group and charter composed of a rotating set of staff representing various levels across the organization. This group facilitates the development and implementation of Point Blue’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Action plan, which includes providing guidance to management and staff on the development of DEI related policies, activities, and communication.
• DEI Why Statement: Created a DEI Why Statement and are in the process of revising our organizational values. These inspire and guide our decision making. They also support our communications with staff, partners, and community members about why becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive is important to Point Blue and our mission.
• Evolving Internal Structures: We continue to evolve Point Blue’s internal structures to prioritize increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of our work, including rewriting our hiring practices.
• Partnership: Partnered with several organizations including the Center for Diversity and the Environment and the Racial Equity Institute to provide staff and our Board of Directors with trainings focused on understanding and recognizing behaviors of racism, learning practices of inclusion, and understanding how these can impact our work environment, the results of our science, and the communities we are a part of.
• Prioritizing historically disadvantaged communities: Through awards from the CA Wildlife Conservation Board we are supporting community-driven restoration projects and prioritizing historically disadvantaged communities, including: tribal partners; small-scale farms and ranches; farmers and ranchers of color; and urban communities.