Equity & Inclusion Statement

Dec 7, 2022 | Equity and Inclusion

In supporting healthy and efficient built environments within our community, the US Green Building Council-Missouri Gateway Chapter is actively working towards an environmentally just future for all through: equitable, inclusive and accessible programming and educational opportunities.

We recognize that we are a predominately white organization – our staff, our leadership, and our membership. As an organization, we recognize that we have unintentionally contributed to the status quo of injustice and systems that are racist. We know that environmental degradation and climate change disproportionately affect communities of color. We know that many people in our community lack access to safe, healthy and green homes, workplaces, schools and communities. And we know that we need to do more to change this. We are working to do our part to address and breakdown systemic and institutional racism while understanding our own implicit biases.

Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

  • Foster educational programs that focus on equity
  • Continuously build an inclusive environment
  • Build a diverse board that fully represents the St. Louis community
  • Engage all ages in the area of environmental sustainability within the built environment
  • Build and create partnership opportunities to work with the most vulnerable groups impacted by climate change

As an organization, we are aware that have a lot of work to do and this work is on-going. We are currently updating the Chapter’s strategic plan and actively looking for ways to make equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism part of our regular work. Some of the actions we are working on or plan to work on include:

  • Providing equity and anti-racism resources to members and incorporating resources into educational programming
  • Training staff, leadership, volunteers, and members
  • Striving to be more inclusive by actively engaging people of color and diverse voices (age, ability, gender, religion) to participate in the Chapter’s events, volunteer work, committees and board
  • Seeking funds to support paid internships
  • Continuing to provide and expand scholarship and mentorship opportunities
  • Continuing to cultivate partnerships with organizations working with communities of color and organizations led by people of color

Equity & Inclusion Statement approved by Board of Directors January 9, 2020. Updated June 5, 2020.

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