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.
Snapshots in History: Black Environmentalists
To celebrate Black History Month this February, take some time to learn about historical figures and groups in the environmental movement that are too often overlooked. George Washington Carver: In 1894, Carver became the first African American to earn a Bachelors of Science Degree, after attending the Iowa State Agricultural School. He went on to earn his Masters of Agriculture and began working at the Tuskegee Institute to establish an agricultural school. His early academic concentration was on fungal infections of soybean plants, and at Tuskegee he continued his work with plant diseases while also researching agricultural practices to help poor southern farmers.
Building a Trans-Inclusive Workplace
November 13th-19th is Transgender Awareness Week, followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. Transgender Awareness Week is used to raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face. Navigating the workplace can be difficult for transgender folks, especially when their colleagues are uneducated on transgender topics.
The 2020 Women in Conservation Leadership Summit
Despite COVID-19 preventing an in-person Women in Conservation Leadership Summit this year, the National Wildlife Federation’s team worked to find innovative ways to learn, connect, and make the event a rich and powerful experience. The shift to a virtual platform also created an opportunity to reopen registration and welcome even more participants. Instead of gathering in Colorado, participants came together for a productive and informative three days online this past October.