|
EMSWCD Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, we remain steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. In 2020, our Board of Directors adopted an equity statement acknowledging Oregon’s history of discrimination and the urgent need to uplift Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color—communities disproportionately affected by polluted air, contaminated water and soil, flooding, wildfires, and the worsening impacts of climate change.
Five years later, we still hold this commitment.
As federal agencies dismantle DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, many of our peer organizations—especially those that rely on federal funding—are running into new challenges. At EMSWCD, we’re staying the course. We’re continuing to invest in conservation efforts that support equity, inclusion, and the well-being of our communities. Through our grants, partnerships, and programs, we’re working to grow the resources behind this important work.
We also know this commitment is well within both federal and state laws. Earlier this year, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield made it clear: policies that build more inclusive and equitable workplaces also strengthen culture and lead to better outcomes. He joined 15 other state Attorneys General in affirming that strong DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) efforts are fully in line with the law.
We’re proud to be making meaningful, lasting strides with our Equity Action Plan – work that reflects our deep commitment to serving the diverse and multicultural communities across our district. In Fiscal Year 2025-26, EMSWCD’s Board is proposing a 30 percent increase in funding for the Partners in Conservation grant program. This totals over $1.3 million in direct support to 29 organizations leading impactful, community-rooted work.
These investments go beyond just meeting our mission of helping people care for land and water – they also expand conservation benefits in communities that have historically faced disparities in environmental health, education, and access to land and nature.
Find out how EMSWCD is investing in equity, partnership, and meaningful change throughout our region.
If your organization could benefit from an EMSWCD grant, we encourage you to explore our funding opportunities. Learn more here.
Together, we can care for our land and water, and our people.
|
