DEIJ

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DEIJ Day of Learning: Actionable Strategies for Change

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On Wednesday, June 5th ― the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) hosted its inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Day of Learning at the Social Profit Center in Hamilton, New Jersey.

The event was constructed by CDRW’s DEIJ Workgroup to highlight regional expertise and equip participants with tools to enhance advocacy, outreach, programming and more. 

Our robust agenda featured community-based organizations, state environmental agencies, and civic engagement groups who spoke about addressing systemic and racial injustices, forming authentic and representative partnerships, making nature accessible for individuals with disabilities, among other critical DEIJ topics.

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Access Nature Goes Statewide!

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The Pineland Preservation Alliance (PPA), the New Jersey Division of Disability Services of the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DDS), the Edward J. Bloustein School, and Duke Farms have come together to lead a statewide effort to make recreating in nature a part of the lives of everyone in our state regardless of disability. The inspiration for this came from The Pinelands is for Everyone project, which has evolved into the new statewide Nature: Accessible for All initiative that brings in new activists and partners to the cause. PPA received critical funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to facilitate this campaign.

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Tacony Creek Park Map Available in Seven Languages

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Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF) is proud to announce that maps for Tacony Creek Park, the city’s 300-acre watershed park that was created in 1915 to protect Tacony Creek, are now available in seven languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Arabic, and Khmer. These are the languages spoken the most by residents living in the neighborhoods surrounding the park.

To Honor Pride―Avoid Rainbow-washing this June and Beyond

What Rainbow-washing Means:

Every June, in honor of Pride, companies and organizations are quick to turn their logos rainbow to express their “allyship” of the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus).

This passive gesture, however, isn’t showcasing how brands actually support and advance LGBTQ+ rights, or promote inclusivity in their marketing, programmatic efforts, overall structure and more. This empty proclamation has a name, rainbow-washing, which alludes to promoting “equality” online while demonstrating minimal commitments to reducing oppressive policies posed onto marginalized communities.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Environmental Leaders & Organizations to Celebrate

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month- a time to uplift voices in the AANHPI communities. In celebration of the month, CDRW is highlighting AANHPI environmental leaders and environmental organizations. Join us in celebrating and acknowledging the impact the AANHPI communities have on the environmental movement this month and every month!

Women Environmentalists to Celebrate this Women's History Month

Over the last century, women across the globe have become increasingly prominent in environmental movements. In celebration of March being Women’s History Month, CDRW is highlighting ten inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to environmental advocacy, and whose legacies continue to inspire the next generation of women environmentalists.

The Role of Coalitions in Propelling Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Work Forward

By Mariah Davis (Choose Clean Water) and Ellen Underwood (Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed).

Coalitions, collaboratives, and networks play an integral role in promoting new ideas, building connections, and exploring new avenues for support. As the only national nonprofit whose sole purpose is to connect and strengthen the nationwide network of local water protectors, River Network has used our role to educate ourselves and groups across the network on topics such as equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)*. We are not alone in this work; our partners Choose Clean Water (CCW) and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) have created resources, priorities, and welcoming, safe environments in which to discuss these topics.

Honoring the Original Stewards of the Land: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day - a day that serves to dispel the whitewashed stories of our country and properly honor and celebrate the culture and histories of this land’s indigenous people.

And it doesn’t stop there – today serves as an opportunity to invigorate or reinvigorate our commitment to consistently prioritize the inclusion of indigenous needs and voices in our work. As organizations and people serving and residing in the Delaware River Watershed, we are deeply connected to the value of this land and waters. Which is why it is critical to ensure this connection is whole, that it includes the original people of this land, an understanding of the history, and incorporates ongoing, authentic commitments to action.

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