Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

With a plurality of voices, we will inspire more people and conserve more habitats.

Audubon's Statement on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

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.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Audubon

A photo of a bird perching on a thin branch with greenery on it, clamping down with its beak on two orange and white winged bugs.
EDIB at Audubon

Community as a Cornerstone of Conservation

By Laura Aguirre
July 19, 2023 — Mitchell Lake Audubon Center and Latino Outdoors support community-centered conservation in San Antonio.
News

For the Community, From the Community: A Conversation with Marcos Trinidad

By Liz Muñoz Huber
January 10, 2023 — Trinidad—center director at Audubon Debs Park in Los Angeles—spoke with us about his roots in LA, his work making the outdoors more inclusive, and his new podcast Human/Nature.
Press Room

Trust Indigenous Land Stewards to Lead on Global Conservation

By Elizabeth Gray and Stephanie Thorassie
December 16, 2022 — Canada’s Indigenous-led conservation initiatives are model solutions for protecting biodiversity
Audubon Americas

Flying Together Takes Us Further

By Aurelio Ramos
October 27, 2022 — We need to erase national borders to achieve solutions with hemispheric impact, and join forces to obtain funds that allow for sustainability. More action and less rhetoric in the fight against climate change.
María Gabriela Núñez Montellano holds a White-fronted Woodpecker, a small black and white bird with a long beak.
News

Systemic Barriers Hinder Bird Research, Say 124 Latin American Ornithologists

By Grace van Deelen
October 17, 2022 — A new preprint from scientists across the region asserts that advances in neotropical ornithology will require a stronger commitment to inclusion.

Meet the EDIB Team

Maxine Griffin Somerville
Chief People and Culture Officer

Robert Harris
Director

Laura Aguirre
Program Manager

Nadia Rodriguez
Program Manager

Building the Future Now

Are you passionate about environmental and climate justice and conservation? We want to work with you! Check our careers page for our many opportunities, including full-time and part-time work, paid fellowships and paid internships.

Members of Audubon's LGBTQ affinity group, Let's Go Birding Together participants, and allies mingle during the 2019 Audubon Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Luke Franke/Audubon

Culture at Audubon

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. Audubon's Affinity Groups include the Access Affinity Group, Alianza Latina Affinity Group, Allyship 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).

Gender Equity and Inclusion

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. To that end, we implemented a voluntary initiative for employeesstraight and cisgender, and LGBTQIA+ aliketo proactively share their pronouns in email signatures and interactions to create a more affirming workspace. We also have a suite of policies and materials to help support transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming staff members before, during, and after their transition while working for Audubon. These policies also outline the obligations of Audubon’s Human Resources department, supervisors, and other staff and provide guidance and resources to all employees to support our colleagues during their gender transition.

Career, Fellowship, and Community Science Opportunities

Across the country Audubon is helping create the movement of the future. 

Careers: If you share our vision of an equitable and diverse conservation movement that provides a deep sense of belonging for all, we want to work with you. To see and apply for our open positions, check our careers page.

Fellowships: Our fellowship initiative is one facet of the organization's commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Audubon fellows 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 learn more about Audubon fellowships, check our fellowships page and then head to our careers page.

Community Science: As part of Audubon’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging 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. To learn more about our community science opportunities, visit our science page

Audubon welcomes everyone who finds delight in birds and nature. 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. 

Our Work in Communities Across the Hemisphere

EDIB at Audubon

A Movement to Make Birding More Inclusive and Accessible

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.
EDIB at Audubon

A Nature Summer Camp Aims to Make Young Refugees and Immigrants Feel at Home in Idaho

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?
Audubon in Action

‘Let’s Go Birding Together’ Creates a Dedicated Space for LGBTQ Bird Lovers

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.