Connect scientists with communities

Climate change denial, funding cuts for environmental research, silencing of government scientists, our broken education system, corporate greed, racism and bigotry--these headlines flood our news and social media outlets daily. Looking around, it’s hard not to see that we’re having  a huge impact on our environment, from pollution of air and water to destruction of forests and farmland--these things threaten our supply of clean air, water and food, and are already making people sick and impacting how we get along with each other. These burdens are unfairly borne by people whose education, language ability, or socioeconomic status prevents them adjusting their lifestyles--often minorities, immigrants, and people of color. Scientists continue to make amazing discoveries that can help improve the quality of our environment, health and well being, yet these discoveries often don’t translate into actions because of monetary and political barriers as well as historical distrust.

The Inclusive Ecology section of the Ecological Society of America provides resources and support for all ecologists, regardless of physical/mental ability, gender identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, nationality, family status, politics, religion, level of education, or age. We’re raising money to bring together a group of world-class scientists and a socio-environmental advocacy group (Women of Color Speak Out ) to discuss innovative ways of forging stronger partnerships between scientists, advocacy groups, community leaders, and policymakers who share a common vision of decreasing the unfair burdens of environmental quality on minority communities. Our specific goals include 1) identifying and prioritizing environmental issues disproportionately affecting minorities, 2) devising strategies to overcome historical distrust and build partnerships, 3) identifying support venues and how to apply them (e.g., socio-ecological research, educational and outreach initiatives),  4) establishing a network of people/organizations keen to addressing these issues, and 5) compiling a list of useful tools/resources. Our broader goals are to empower scientists to become more involved in grassroots movements, develop relationships of trust with minority communities (that are feeling increasingly marginalized in today’s political climate), and build momentum for positive social change. We are seeking donations to help sponsor two representatives from the advocacy group Women of Color Speak Out to participate in this event at the 2017 Ecological Society of America Conference (Special Session #12 ).


Thanks for taking the time to read our story, and we hope that you will make a small donation to help us support the healing our environment and human society.  

Sincerely,

The Inclusive Ecology section of the Ecological Society of America and organizers of Special Session #12:
Kennedy “Ned” Rubert-Nason
Wilnelia Recart
Sam Davis
Tiffany Carey
George Middendorf

Women of Color Speak Out :
Yin Yu
Sarra Tekola

Please direct correspondence to Kennedy “Ned” Rubert-Nason, the lead organizer of this event:
kfrubert at gmail.com

More information about the lead organizer is available at:
https://sites.google.com/site/kennedyrubertnason/home
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rubert-nason-1748436/