Exploring Allyship and Connections between Sustainability Diversity Equity

Exploring Allyship and Connections between Sustainability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Social Justice AASHE Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council

Presenters: ► Cesar Nanni: Sustainability Project Coordinator Universidad de Monterrey ► Joy Polanco-O'Neil: Director & Assistant Professor Educational Sustainability University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point ► Kylie Nealis: Campus and Community Engagement Manager Fair Trade Campaigns ► Natalie Hayes: Associate Director of Sustainability Bentley University ► Ryan Ihrke: Sustainability Facilitator and Instructor of Sustainability College of St. Scholsatica ► Stephania Fregosi: Sustainability Analyst Portland Community College

Agenda ► ► ► Welcome and Expectations Introduction to The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee of the AASHE Advisory Council Small Table Discussions: Dimensions of Diversity Small Table Discussions: Mapping connections between Social Justice & Environmental Issues Debrief

Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee ► ► ► Examined AASHE’s structural framework for AASHE’s operations using a Diversity & Inclusion lens. Provided feedback to AASHE Staff on its Diversity & Inclusion Statement and on the strategic plan Hosted networking meetings (2017 -2019) during AASHE Conferences

Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit Purpose ► Provide sustainability officers working to advance racial equity and create inclusive programming with support and create a body of best practices and resources Background ► There is a green ceiling of approximately 12 -16% amongst staff in environmental organizations and agencies in the United States. (Green 2. 0) ► AASHE’s 2015 and 2017 Higher Education Staffing Survey reports consistent data. AASHE’s membership is largely comprised of four-year institutions in the United States and Canada. ► “More than half of students of color enroll at community colleges, which receive substantially less state and local funding and have lower graduation rates. ” (Kvaal, James, “Policymakers Must Address Unequal Spending on Public Colleges. ” Forbes, September 2, 2019, online resource). ► “. . . over 50% of students from communities of color in public K-12 schools will be in the very near future, be the majority of the US adult population. ”Grawe, Nathan D. Demographics and the demand for higher education. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 2018.

Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability, A Toolkit for Advancing Racial Equity ► Sections ► Equity is Great but What Does it Have to Do with Sustainability? ► Making the Case for Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are Important for Sustainability Officers ► Job Competencies for Sustainability Officers with Sample Interview questions ► Definitions ► Regional Resources

Next Steps / Additional Sections ► Ecoracial narratives - how ecosocial justice and sustainability are looked at through a variety of cultural and historical lenses. How have racist practices shaped the relationship of different identity groups to the land to the environment? How have inequitable access to natural resources shaped identity? ► How have access and affordability shaped the higher education landscape and thereby also shaped how sustainability is practiced within higher education. ► The relationship between climate refugees and immigration issues. ► Review Process

Get Involved ► We’re always looking for individuals to contribute to our conversation. ► Applications for joining AASHE’s Advisory Council are due November 6 th. Your organization must be either an AASHE member or STARS member in good standing. ► AASHE’s advisory council participates in topical subcommittees, provides feedback on the AASHE’ strategic plan, participate in phone meetings, plans networking sessions, and contribute to AASHE programs. ► Submitting resources to the Campus Sustainability Hub is open to all members. ► Give a webinar.

Dimensions of Diversity Source: YMCA USA

Dice Game Goal: To think about the connection between various social justice and environmental issues. How to Play: Roll Two dice you have on your table. Explain to the group how these two issues are interrelated. Dice #1 – Environmental Issues: Dice #2 – Social Justice Issues: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Waste disposal Climate Change Deforestation Ocean Acidification Plastics in the Environment Species extinction Race Food Security Infectious Diseases Access to healthcare Immigration injustice Lack of Access to Education

Discussion ► Were you surprised about any of the connections that were made in your group? ► What was the most impactful connection that you had in your group? ► Questions for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee