July 20, 2023
The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) Board of Directors formally denounces racism and discrimination in any form. We are committing to gain greater awareness and understanding of issues important to diverse communities, and we support actions to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in conservation. Our aim is to foster a culture where every resident seeking conservation support feels valued and inspired to achieve individual and common goals. This includes providing opportunity and access for all people across differences of race, age, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, migratory status, disability/abilities, political affiliation, veteran status and socioeconomic background.
The WCCD is committed to examining our programs, policies and procedures related to diversity, equity and inclusion in order to make conservation delivery accessible and available for all Washtenaw residents. We will continue to work to engage all communities to understand conservation issues important to diverse populations, to encourage greater diversity conservation leadership and to encourage even greater transparency and open dialogue in conservation district programs.
Specifically, the WCCD is taking additional steps to more formally evaluate the WCCD’s existing policies, programs, and outreach efforts, by contracting a professional consultant to assist in the assessment, enrichment training of staff and board directors and the development of a DEI strategy by the end of September 2024.
Motion by Nolan to approve the DEI statement. Second by Weber (Yay: two, Nay: one). Motion passed.