
From Independence to Emancipation Day
On Juneteenth, I celebrate the strength and resilience of Black people who fought for their freedom—and still strive for equity.
With a plurality of voices, we will inspire more people and conserve more habitats.
In order to achieve these goals, Audubon has made equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging a strategic imperative. Protecting and conserving nature and the environment transcends political, cultural, and social boundaries. Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives will attract the best ideas and harness the greatest passion to shape a healthier, more vibrant future for all of us who share our planet. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our
staff, board, volunteers, members, and supporters, and fostering an inclusive network of Audubon Centers and Chapters in all communities, from rural to urban. We respect the individuality of each member of our community, and we are committed to a workplace free of any kind of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, national or ethnic origin, politics, or veteran status.
On Juneteenth, I celebrate the strength and resilience of Black people who fought for their freedom—and still strive for equity.
In honor of Black History Month, Sharon Audubon Center partnered with a local high school to inform visitors about conservation heroes of color.
A new initiative from Audubon and its partners to make the outdoors accessible for everyone. Here's how you can help.
Jamaal Nelson
Chief Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer
Andrés Villalon
Senior Director
Robert Harris
Director
Laura Aguirre
Program Manager
Nadia Rodriguez
Program Manager
Affinity Groups
Audubon's Affinity Groups are employee-led groups based on shared characteristics, experiences, goals or interests. They create dynamic, safe spaces to build community, facilitate personal and professional development, raise awareness of important issues, and effect change – to ensure individuals from all identities thrive at Audubon. Members of Affinity Groups also provide constructive and meaningful engagement on Audubon's priorities and strategies, join subcommittees, and participate in scheduled meetings and conference calls. Audubon's Affinity Groups include the Access Affinity Group, Alianza Latina Affinity Group, Black Affinity Group, Caretakers Affinity Group, Community Service Affinity Group, Early Career Professionals Affinity Group (ECPAG), People of Color (POC) Affinity Group, LGBTQIA++ (Queer) Affinity Group, and Women's Employee Resource Group (WERG).
Pronouns
Audubon is committed to cultivating a community workplace that is free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, where all of our flock feels welcome and seen. Audubon recognizes it’s important to never assume someone else’s gender. To that end, we implemented a voluntary initiative for employees – straight and cisgender, and LGBTQ alike – to proactively share their pronouns in email signatures and interactions to create a more affirming workspace. More people proactively sharing our pronouns, regardless of gender identity or expression, fosters a workplace where the conversation is routine rather than a point of difference. Audubon employees of all gender identities and expressions are encouraged to participate, so transgender (including non-binary), gender non-conforming, intersex, and agender people don’t have to bear the weight alone.
Fellowship and Apprenticeship Opportunities
Across the country Audubon is helping create the movement of the future. Our fellowship initiative is tangible proof of the organization's commitment to the future of the conservation movement and to developing the next generation of leaders. Audubon fellows and apprentices are leaders-in-training in the disciplines of environmental communications, conservation education, field organizing, field biology, public policy, geospatial information systems, and much more. To apply for an Audubon fellowship, check our careers page.
The word citizen was originally included in the term citizen science to distinguish amateur data collectors from professional scientists, not to describe the citizenship status of these volunteer observers. Today, however, it is important for us to recognize that the term has become limiting to our work and partnerships in some contexts. Audubon welcomes everyone who finds delight in birds and nature. As part of Audubon’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, we have transitioned from using the term “citizen science” to the more inclusive term “community science.”
No matter where a volunteer was born, or how they came to the United States, we value their contribution to our science and conservation programs. Citizenship, or the perception that a volunteer may or may not be a citizen, certainly isn’t a prerequisite to caring for birds. Furthermore, participation in volunteer data-collection initiatives like the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the Great Backyard Bird Count are, at their best, communal experiences that bring us together as a caring community of people who are inspired by birds and want to protect them. The term community science better reflects these social and relational realities.
Virginia Rose found her passion for birds—and a new purpose in life—from the seat of her wheelchair. With Birdability, she's working to bring birding's benefits to others like her.
The two-week New Roots program introduces teens to the flora and fauna of the Rockies, and answers a question oft-asked by new arrivals: Are there lions in the Boise foothills?
It's more than a bird walk: It's an inclusive experience for anyone who wants to connect to birds, the natural world, and others in a positive way.
Fund II Summit. Video: Luke Franke/Audubon
2019 Audubon Convention: Audubon for Everyone. Mike Fernandez/Audubon
At This Alabama Middle School, the Birds Belong to Everyone. Mike Fernandez/Audubon
Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives.