We acknowledge the long history of inequity and injustice in the United States and Canada, and we acknowledge that this inequity and injustice are similarly interwoven into the history of the conservation movement. We also acknowledge our own privilege as an organization.
We are dedicated to recognizing and addressing our own biases, and the impact of our power and privilege, as an organization and as individuals, in both fields that we work: capacity building and conservation. We believe TREC has a deep responsibility to actively leverage our resources and capabilities to amplify inclusion and equity in ourselves, in our operation, in our services, with our clients, and in our sector.
TREC has influence and power that comes from our role as facilitators and conveners for conservation groups. We have privilege that comes from our partnership with Wilburforce Foundation and the stable funding which we receive to build the capacity of their grantees. We commit to being responsible and accountable for how we utilize these resources.
We are committed to consistent action to create a workplace of generative learning, which only a diversity of staff and an equitable and inclusive culture can bring. TREC is committed to becoming a multicultural organization, with staff with diverse perspectives and experiences. TREC cultivates a culture where everyone is a valued member of our team and treated with respect and dignity. We intentionally work to foster a culture of inclusion with openness, honesty, visibility, creativity, and trust as core values. We live the principles and practices we bring to our clients, never expecting them to do work that we have not done ourselves.
TREC works to develop training and capacity building services that are culturally responsive, relevant, and responsible. We do not simply rely on so-called “best practices,” and we challenge ourselves to speak to the limitations and biases that inform our work. We strive to expand our offerings to include perspectives that are omitted or less visible, as well as to seek new and alternative approaches, success stories, and spokespeople. We know we are not perfect and will continue to build our awareness and to do better.
We commit ourselves to bring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training, resources, and insights to our clients. We intend for TREC’s DEI initiative to serve as a model for our clients. We will use our role as a convener to initiate conversations about creating a more inclusive and equitable conservation movement.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is active, ongoing and far-reaching. We continually work to enhance our understanding and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our employees, our clients, and the essential work that we all do.