By Ursula Miniszewski, Director of Gender and Equity
“I am human, I think nothing human alien to me.” Terence, former Roman slave and playwright, 160 BC
At Global Greengrants Fund, we believe that when local people have a say in the health of their food, water, and resources, they are forces for change. In order to protect the environment, we invest in the people who eat from the land, who drink from their waters, and who want to see a better life for their children and communities.
In order to support local efforts to create a world where people live in harmony with nature, in peace with one another, in dignity, and with mutual respect and equity for all, we work with a network of people across the globe, including 30 staff members in Boulder, Colorado and London, UK, as well as 16 board members, and 145 volunteer grantmaking advisors in Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Pacific Islands.
Across this network is not only a wealth of knowledge, but also diversity of backgrounds, languages, and experiences. To better understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion means and looks like to the Global Greengrants network, we’ve started a new initiative on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion led by a working group comprised of people from this global network.
Global Greengrants is committed to building a community that honors people’s differences and ensures fair treatment and opportunity for all who work and volunteer within it. We recognize that, while there is much that unites us, we are different because of our range of identities and experiences. Some of these differences include, but are not limited to, ability and disability, age, socioeconomic status, culture, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Understanding, valuing, and effectively managing these differences can result in deep and meaningful participation and greater trust.
Furthermore, we recognize that power structures, advantages, and barriers exist for people, and that we all do not start from the same place.
“For over 25 years, Global Greengrants has worked across cultures all around the world. We value de-centralized decision-making, and we want to ensure that throughout our network of advisors, governing board members, and on staff, we live our values — walk the talk,” explains Terry Odendahl, President and CEO.
The new working group will consider how traditionally excluded people can be included in Global Greengrants’ processes, activities, and decision/policy making in more equitable ways that consider multiple perspectives. Ultimately, we want to ensure everyone in our community is treated with fairness, justice, dignity, and respect, doing all that we can to remove barriers and redressing imbalances caused by inequality and discrimination.
We understand that this initiative will be challenging and difficult at times, but as a global whole we are ready for the work and to share how it enriches our work.
Stay tuned for more information about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative in the coming months, including key takeaways and recommendations from around the world.