EQUITY – DIVERSITY- ENVIRONMENT
Learn along with WAA as we explore environmental justice and related topics in preparation for our March 2021 conference.
Brockton High School Envirothon participants.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Envirothon
In July, we were inspired by an panel of talented young women from the City of Brockton. Watch the video. Mentored in the Massachusetts Envirothon by Wildlands Trust Outreach and Education Manager, Rachel Calderara, and positively affected by their experiences, these urban residents continued on to higher education in the environment, science and health.
The panel spoke to WAA members at our July meeting, sharing their personal stories and factors that led to their engagement in nature and environmental conservation, factors that you can incorporate into your own work, whether it be professional, volunteer or personal.
We encourage you to join our learn-along.
Every month at our member meetings WAA members study and discuss environmental justice topics. We hear from representatives of communities historically underrepresented in watershed associations or in discussions about environmental health and protection, including
Native Americans, communities of color, people with disabilities and those with low income, to name a few.
Many of these communities are inequitably harmed by impacts to the environment while receiving fewer benefits associated with a healthy environment, such as clean drinking water and access to water recreation.
In June, we discussed the relationship between environmental justice and racism and issued a statement about our commitment to working for environmental justice. We posted a short video and some excellent curated readings for you to learn along with us.
In May, Melissa Ferretti, the president of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe located in Plymouth spoke to us at our meeting. Read about Ferretti and her vision as president, how to speak respectfully about Native Americans, and about traditional ecological knowledge and what this can teach other cultures.
Each month we will post more short readings, recommended websites, videos, and other materials. Learn along with WAA members to prepare yourself for the March 2021 conference.
If you would like to speak at one of our meetings, or know someone who would, or would like to suggest an article or other reading material for consideration, please contact WAAcoordinator@nsrwa.org (Dorie Stolley).
We at WAA look forward to seeing you at our March 2021 conference, which is likely to be a virtual event, depending on Covid-19. We will keep you posted. In the meantime, please learn along with us and expand your knowledge of environmental justice and your perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Sincerely,
Dorie