Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Southern Maryland Audubon Society values equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Just as biodiversity fuels a healthy planet, diverse voices strengthen our nation and our community. Indeed, the conservation movement is more vigorous and effective when everyone feels empowered and finds solutions together. Global threats like climate change require all of us to take action. But first, the outdoors and the conservation arena must be safe, welcoming spaces.  

We invite ALL our neighbors to join us and share the love of birds. No experience is necessary. Our educational events are free, and we have binoculars to lend. Our goal is for our board and membership to represent our diverse community. With respect for each person’s individuality, we are ready to listen to and learn from other perspectives. This process, while sometimes difficult, bolsters our shared work for birds and healthy habitats.

In support of Black Lives Matter and other important civil rights movements, National Audubon Society (NAS) has enacted policies to fight prejudice, racism, and injustice. To educate the birding community, for example, NAS has helped share Black birders’ experiences, and they are re-evaluating the legacy of John James Audubon. The resources below have helped broaden our understanding.  You might like them, too.

Resources

Drew Lanham’s Keynote Speech at the 2017 Audubon Convention

An author, ornithologist, and professor of ecology and conservation at Clemson University, Lanham spoke on the importance of inclusiveness and diversity in birding, among other themes.

https://www.audubon.org/news/listen-drew-lanhams-keynote-speech-2017-audubon-convention-utah

National Audubon Society’s statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion

https://www.audubon.org/about/edi

Revealing the Past to Create the Future

As Audubon deepens its commitment to antiracism, we owe members and others a full accounting and reckoning with John James Audubon himself.

https://www.audubon.org/news/revealing-past-create-future

The Myth of John James Audubon

The National Audubon Society’s namesake looms large, like his celebrated bird paintings. But he also enslaved people and held white supremacist views, reflecting ethical failings that it is time to bring to the fore.

https://www.audubon.org/news/the-myth-john-james-audubon

National Audubon Society President David Yarnold’s message after a weekend of turmoil and heartbreak in the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the police

https://www.audubon.org/news/a-moment-reflectionand-determination

Audubon Statement on the Incident in Central Park’s Ramble

https://www.audubon.org/news/audubon-statement-incident-central-parks-ramble

Birding while Black: A Candid Conversation, session 1, Facebook Live

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=599256750697358&ref=watch_permalink

Birding while Black: A Candid Conversation, session 2, Facebook Live

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=250698879684486&ref=watch_permalink