Keeping To Our Word: Accountability to Racial Justice in the Environmental Sector

When
March 2, 2021 11:00 am — 12:30 pm
Where
Webinar Only

An ELI Public Webinar

In the wake of last summer’s racial reckoning, a multitude of companies, non-profit organizations, and others have released statements promoting racial justice. Organizations that had been previously silent on issues stemming from and connected to racial injustice began speaking out about the importance of anti-racism and structural change.

These statements of solidarity became nearly ubiquitous in the environmental sector. Traditionally white-led environmental organizations advocated for justice and equity by explicitly condemning white supremacy, police brutality, and environmental racism. Although this shift is commendable and necessary, demonstrated and quantifiable actions are required to underpin such statements.

What actions can organizations in the environmental sector take in order to actualize the principles they have vocally supported? How can organizations take accountability for and begin rectifying historic complicity in the exclusion of black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) from their staff and leadership? How do we evaluate the success of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) efforts? How can organizations collaborate with grassroots and community leaders to strengthen this shared work towards a more equitable, just, and environmentally-sound future? Join ELI and a panel of experts to explore these questions and opportunities for deeper and better engagement in light of the renewed national focus on racial injustice.

Panelists:
Emily A. Collins, Executive Director & Managing Attorney, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, Moderator
Marianne Engelman Lado, former Visiting Professor, Douglas Costle Chair in Environmental Law, and Director, Environmental Justice Clinic, Vermont Law School; Lecturer, Yale University School of Public Health; and Lecturer, Yale School of the Environment
Philip McAdoo, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Earthjustice
Theodora Okiro, Senior Policy Associate – Midwest, Nexamp
John Pendergrass, Vice President, Programs & Publications, Environmental Law Institute
John Minode’e Petoskey, Associate Attorney, Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC)

Materials:
ELI members have subsequent access to any materials/a recording of this session (usually posted w/in 48 hours). If you are not an ELI member but would like to have access to archived sessions like this one, go HERE to see the many benefits of membership and how to join.