Inclusion Council
We believe that every person, regardless of where they live or their social-economic status, deserves clean water, clean air, nutritious food, and safe access to nature as a way to be healthy and happy. As part of that commitment, we understand that we need as many people as possible. This includes people with diverse identities, perspectives, and life experiences involved in protecting open space, cleaning rivers, creating habitat for wildlife, and supporting healthy communities for lasting impact.
“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion isn’t just a gesture or something to do because everyone else is; if we don’t deepen our inclusion efforts, then we will never achieve the promise, and permanence, of our mission.” -Brook McDonald, President/CEO
Guiding a Culture of Inclusion
The purpose of the Inclusion Council is to provide guidance to The Conservation Foundation’s leadership and staff on matters related to creating, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive organizational culture. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong, and the Council helps to align actions with intentions consistent with our mission.
We believe it is important to have a diverse spectrum of identities, particularly historically marginalized identities, represented within the Inclusion Council. This deepens our understanding of the needs of various communities, fosters an inclusive organizational culture, helps us to be more impactful and relevant to the communities we serve, and better supports nature connection and stewardship amongst communities where those ties have been both intentionally and unintentionally severed.
Inclusion Council members reside or work in The Conservation Foundation’s areas of geographical focus: DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, and Kendall County.
Objectives & Benefits
Inclusion Council Objectives:
- Advise leadership and staff related to inclusivity
- Have a forum for conversations and shared learning
- Help The Conservation Foundation embody inclusion and attract diverse perspectives
- As available, help with programming and events
Inclusion Council Benefits:
- Education and engagement on conservation issues
- Professional networking and social opportunities
- Impact on local conservation
- Having a voice on issues facing The Conservation Foundation and the community at large
A History of Inclusion
If you are interested in learning more or becoming a member of the Inclusion Council, please fill out this form and we will be in touch!