Number: 2017-06
WHEREAS, to honor and reflect the contributions of diverse and historical communities who have supported the national and international wildlife conservation movement for centuries, including those who have been excluded from the movement, we recognize and embrace the diversity of ethnic, cultural, gender, age, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity involved in the conservation movement to date; and
WHEREAS, we live, work, and raise our families in a nation founded by immigrants that embraces all cultures and religions and recognizes that all people in America today are impacted by conservation, regardless of their race or gender, or the urban or rural environments in which they live; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that wildlife and ecological landscapes know no political or man-made physical boundaries, and as such we should work across borders to advocate for policies and management practices that benefit the landscape-scale conservation of wildlife and our cultures, history, and shared values; and
WHEREAS, successful conservation movements require inclusive networks of communities built on relationships of trust, respect, honest communication, and shared financial resources, with leaders of integrity who actively recruit and foster collaboration to achieve clear outcomes, and encourage diverse and equitable participation at both grassroots and executive levels; and
WHEREAS, successful wildlife conservation recognizes the importance of participation by native communities whose survival, religion, and material culture depend on native wildlife and habitats; and
WHEREAS, we value and embrace diverse opinions and cultural beliefs related to the conservation of wildlife and public landscapes, and we respect those opinions and beliefs and the need to work honestly and transparently with all stakeholders to reach common ground and work together honestly for our mutual benefit; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that the conservation movement must be more equitably represented to reflect all people and communities in the United States, and we commit to actively and purposefully engage in increasing this diversity in our daily work and actions; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation works to enhance diversity within its affiliate network as well as within each affiliate organization in order to both strengthen the existing wildlife conservation movement and engage multicultural individuals, communities and diverse organizations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled June 8-10, 2017 in Stevenson, Washington, hereby supports its states’ and territorial affiliates’ developing and engaging adequately funded diverse local and national partnerships and leadership opportunities throughout the national conservation movement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports multiculturalism and diversity in the conservation movement and will actively develop honest, transparent, and relevant relationships with leaders of groups whose core missions relate to social equity, environmental justice, civil rights, tribal and indigenous sovereignty, economic development, quality education, livable communities, equitable access to healthcare, and public health; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports the conservation movement’s creating genuine opportunities for multicultural education and training; recruitment of new leadership, especially among youth; partnering with a wide range of organizations; and effective networking; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports its states’ and territorial affiliates’ developing a leadership pipeline of young people who represent the racial and cultural diversity of each state and territory to become leaders in the conservation movement; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation will endeavor to be a leader in the incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusivity of conservation.