At NatureBridge, we connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. In order to fulfill this mission, we must intentionally engage in equity, inclusion and diversity (EI&D) efforts in all aspects of our work, this includes our programs, curriculum, organizational practices and organizational culture. We believe all people who engage with NatureBridge (including students, teachers, chaperones, staff, board members and volunteers) deserve to feel welcomed, cared for and connected to each other and nature. We also believe all young people should have access to nature and NatureBridge can help to facilitate that connection.
Specifically we:
NatureBridge has an opportunity to build an organization where participants, staff and board members feel seen, connected, celebrated and compassionate toward one another. We can do this through equitable organizational policies that foster a culture that prioritizes connecting and caring for one another.
At NatureBridge, we connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. We strive to be a place where everyone belongs and experiences empathy for each other and the world around us. We work to welcome and meet the needs of all of our participants and staff. NatureBridge has adopted gender inclusion practices to affirm and provide a welcoming space for our gender expansive participants and employees. We invite and encourage all visiting groups to join us in these practices.
What I deeply care about the most in this world is summarized in five E's: environment, education, empathy, equity and empowerment. Since 2000 when I started my career as an environmental educator at NatureBridge, my life has been dedicated to increasing the visibility and access of those from marginalized communities to our parks, environmental education and its workforce.
My role as the Director of Equity & Inclusion is to listen to our staff, collectively review and process the external audit report and plan a path forward; onboard all NatureBridge staff by creating trainings and systems; steward the EI&D Core team, support CEO and the board to actualize EI&D goals; and improve our communication with all staff on our progress with regard to Equity, Inclusion & Diversity work.
—Miho Aida, Director of Equity & Inclusion