Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
and Belonging Statement
The Salem Audubon Society will foster a workplace and community that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We believe embracing diversity, promoting equity, ensuring inclusion, and creating a sense of belonging are fundamental to our success and integral to improving society.
Diversity: We recognize that diversity goes beyond the surface and encompasses many characteristics, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are dedicated to cultivating an environment that reflects the richness of the world around us.
Equity: We are committed to upholding the principles of equity, which means we actively ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or identity. This effort includes addressing systemic inequalities and discrimination and continuously striving to eliminate barriers to success for all community members.
Inclusion: Inclusion is not just about being present; it's about feeling valued and respected for who you are. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every individual's voice is heard, and all perspectives are welcomed. We actively seek out and embrace diverse ideas, experiences, and viewpoints to drive innovation and foster a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
Belonging: We understand that diversity and inclusion alone are not enough; we also strive to create a sense of belonging for all our organization and community members. We want everyone to feel they are integral to our mission and culture. This commitment means going beyond tolerance to a genuine appreciation of our differences and a commitment to ensuring that everyone feels at home within our organization.
To bring our DEIB values to life, we will:
Cultivate a diverse membership and chapter leadership reflecting our communities and seek to eliminate bias in recruitment, promotion, and development.
Provide equitable access to opportunities, resources, and support for everyone within our organization.
Create an inclusive participation environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and respect.
Encourage open dialogue, education, and training on DEIB topics for all our members.
Listen to our Salem Audubon Society members, staff, volunteers, and public stakeholders to continuously improve our DEIB efforts.
Hold ourselves accountable for progress and report on our DEIB initiatives regularly.
Be transparent about our DEIB efforts, progress, and challenges by regularly sharing information with our stakeholders and the public.
We know that DEIB is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to learning, growing, and adapting to meet the needs of our diverse and dynamic world. By living these principles, we hope to foster a more just, equitable, and inclusive environment for everyone associated with the Salem Audubon Society.
Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future.