Wild Society is a beneficiary of the historical and current stewardship which is deeply embedded in the Coast Salish culture represented in Kitsap County, by the People of the Clear Salt Water, suq̀ʷabš, Suquamish and the Strong People, nuxsklai’yem, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes. We strive to instill these values in our larger community by promoting gratitude, wonder, respect and belonging. We raise our hands to the Coast Salish People of this land by recognizing their historical and present day contributions to the preservation of the natural world we live in.
Wild Society recognizes the intersection of social and environmental justice and we see our organization as a platform to serve both. We are a growing community committed to including people regardless of age, race, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity/expression, ideology, (dis)ability, sexual orientation, or financial capacity.
We have long understood community development to be inextricable from our work as environmental educators, and we have long known that in ecosystems and human societies alike, diversity makes communities stronger. As we name the social and racial inequities embedded in our work, we recognize we have a lot to learn.
In 2021, our board and staff formed two new partnerships with BIPOC led organizations Mentoring is a M.U.S.T. and African Community Housing & Development. We are continuously seeking partnerships with organizations that serve communities underrepresented in the outdoor industry. We are actively adapting and updating our practices for hiring, marketing, board recruitment, program development, and training. Our staff is attending anti-racist training with the Adaway Group and is developing a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion policy. We are incorporating the Washington State Since Time in Memorial Curriculum, gender inclusive biology, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Other ways we are taking action:
- Seek out learning opportunities as a staff, board, and volunteer group. Review and engage in these opportunities at least on a quarterly basis (read books, attending trainings, etc).
- Recognize and honor tribal sovereignty.
- Increase access to our programs through scholarship funding and partnerships.
- Partner with and include community members from all walks of life, especially those different from our own / not currently represented in our organization.
- Seek out a diverse staff and board by expanding searches beyond our community circle.
- Develop and expand our marketing to include and speak to BIPOC communities and groups underrepresented in the outdoor industry.
- Provide JEDI staff training for guides and volunteers.
- Practice culturally responsive teaching and learning in all our programs.
- Support programs doing JEDI work in our community through social media and program engagement.
Resources that inform our work and learning:
- Fluer Larsen’s Equity Leadership Skills
- Adaway Group – Leading difficult conversations on race, class, and gender.
- Native Lands
- Blue Avocado
- Rethink Outside
- Inclusion Toolkit – Seattle Children’s PlayGarden
- So You Want to Talk About Race
- Braiding Sweetgrass
- Since Time Immemorial Curriculum
- Gender Inclusive Biology
Updated January 2022