It was incredibly meaningful for me to watch 'Racism in the Environment Sector' #GAevent as it's a discussion that has been needed for far too long.

While watching, I naturally reflected on my time at @GreenAllianceUK and in the wider environmental sector. https://twitter.com/GreenAllianceUK/status/1301462641047674881

As a BIPOC policy assistant, it was discouraging to enter rooms filled w only White leadership. Most meetings did not include a BAME individual, yet those meetings needed such perspective, knowledge + applied experiences whether directly / indirectly related to the topic at hand.

As a sector, we can't come up with solutions to climate issues without addressing the root of the problem itself which is inherently racist and unjust.

As a sector, we can't come up with solutions to climate issues without including those who will be most affected by policy recommendations determined predominantly by White leadership.

As a sector, we can do better and I am taking this opportunity to share a blog I had written one year ago on @GreenAllianceUK Inside Track. https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2019/09/30/the-environmental-sector-wont-win-unless-there-is-a-clear-win-for-everyone/

My hope is that orgs take the blog seriously as new projects are created and current projects are addressed.

To help let the blog sink in for us now, in 2020, with knew knowledge and increased awareness, consider the following questions:

Who is at the table when we decide to move forward on particular projects of interest?

How is this project uplifting the voices and needs of communities of color?

Which socio-economic group will benefit from this project/policy recommendation?

How is this project addressing social, economic and environmental justice?

Do I feel uncomfortable reading these questions? Why?

(Self-reflection, open and supportive dialogue as well as knowledge-building are great ways to address and soften discomfort.)

If your project development and/or organizational values engage in similar questions, I'm certain you'll see an increase in diversity, and hopefully inclusion, amongst your staff.

Thank you @GreenAllianceUK for taking the initiative to host such an event and I am excited for what's in store for the sector in the UK, in the US and around the globe.