Diversity and Inclusion
Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns, Laughing Gull and Black Skimmer. Photo: JulieAnn Shultz/Audubon Photography Awards
Birding and Conservation are for Everyone!
Biodiversity is essential to resilient natural systems. At NVBA we believe diversity and inclusion are essential not only to the health of our community, but also to conservation of the birds we love and the habitats they need to survive.
So, we are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive birding and naturalist community in which everyone is welcome. We embrace and look to increase diversity and inclusion throughout NVBA’s programs, whether they involve conservation, education, advocacy, citizen science, or just plain fun.
Some Essential Definitions:
Diversity
The act of not discriminating among people because of ways they differ from one another, encompassing the characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. While diversity often is used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition that includes age, national origin, religion, disability and other health concern, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and any other identifiers that make one individual or group different from another.
Inclusion
The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be welcomed, respected, and supported to participate fully in an activity or organization.
Underrepresented Groups
The populations of people who are fewer in number within an activity compared to their representation in the overall population. For example, in the NVBA programs, we have data to suggest that younger adults are underrepresented in our programs. Likewise, we know that people from non-white racial and ethnic groups and people from lower socioeconomic groups are underrepresented in our activities compared to their representation in the population of northern Virginia.
Why Diversity and Inclusion are Essential for NVBA’s Mission
NVBA’s mission is:
“To engage all northern Virginia communities in enjoying, conserving, and restoring nature for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people.”
Our mission requires us to include all groups in northern Virginia in our activities because:
It is the right and fair thing to do. All communities deserve the opportunity to learn about and enjoy nature. It also may help change discriminatory historical patterns. Many non-majority groups have been excluded from environmental and conservation groups’ activities, and deserve representation. See Dorcetta E. Taylor, The State of Diversity in Environmental Organizations, 2014.
It strengthens our ability to be effective. Protecting and conserving nature in the face of local development pressures and climate change requires immense efforts and the participation of as much of the population as possible. Northern Virginia is a rapidly diversifying area where, for example, the non-White population has grown from 29.7% in 2000 to 50.1% in 2020. See, Northern Virginia Regional Commission Dashboard. By recognizing and adapting to these demographic changes, ASNV can increase the effectiveness of its conservation efforts. We can:
recruit significantly more volunteers by tapping into the region’s diverse talent pool;
generate more creative solutions based on a wide range of historical knowledge, differing perspectives, skills, and ideas from across our region; and
better understand, reflect and meet the needs of our communities.
What NVBA Has Been Doing to Support Diversity and Inclusion
In 2020, NVBA’s board of directors built on existing efforts by forming a diversity and inclusion committee to identify opportunities to reach underrepresented groups.
The committee, supported by the board and a range of community volunteers, has expanded NVBA’s involvement with a broad range of northern Virginia communities:
Continued the Black/Latinx nature walk series at Upton Hill Regional Park, engaging local families in exploring nature
Conducted nature walks and other activities with residents in senior affordable housing primarily serving primarily Asian-Americans (See our 2022 Annual Report.)
Co-sponsored a conference in Spanish on sustainable landscaping
Fostered relationships with organizations focused on helping groups underrepresented in our activities
Increased inclusion of young people by providing scholarships for local teachers, particularly teacher from Title I schools, to attend Educator’s Week at National Audubon Society’s Hog Island camp
Increased engagement of 21-45-year-olds through a new organization, NextGen Birders for Conservation
Recruited NVBA board members from historically underrepresented groups and a variety of perspectives
Continued to recruit a diverse group of contributors to our adult education programs to highlight scientists and birders from all backgrounds.
Hosted a pre-Black Birders Week webinar on May 22 that centered black experiences, highlighted black educators and leaders, celebrated black photographers and artists and shared resources relevant to black and BIPOC participants. Watch the webinar here, view the resource list here.
NVBA also took steps to overcome some barriers to broader participation and involvement by underrepresented communities in its activities:
Limited English-language proficiency: We translated a free online publication, “Common Birds of Northern Virginia,” into Spanish. We also provided to our partners laminated bilingual instructional cards about birds, and arranged for volunteer translators for some outings.
Limited access to a car: We researched and provided information on birding sites in northern Virginia that are accessible via public transportation.
Limited mobility: We contributed over 80 entries to the Birdability map rating relative accessibility of trails and parks in northern Virginia. You can consult the map here.
Limited hearing: We have included closed captioning to our virtual programming.
Limited resources: We make sure that many of our programs and events are available to the public free of charge, and we offer loaner binoculars for some events.
Our Goals for the Future
NVBA continues to work to reduce barriers to participation and expand the involvement of underrepresented groups in our programs and activities.
Please consider helping us out. You can volunteer to support one of our programs or activities. We are looking for speakers, board members, walk leaders, and volunteers from groups that have been underrepresented in birdwatching and conservation and who can help us expand our reach to a broader audience. We are seeking bilingual birders to lead walks in Spanish.
We also welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can be more inclusive, particularly if you feel your community is underserved. We welcome requests from underserved communities for events. You can contact us at info@nvbirdalliance.org. We can use your ideas and your help. We are a volunteer-run organization, and there is a lot to do!
If you want to read more about diversity and inclusion in organizations, here are some additional resources.
Baltimore Orioles. Photo: Eric Nie/Audubon Photography Awards
Ways to Get Involved with NVBA
Volunteer with Us
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Your time and enthusiasm power our conservation and educational outreach efforts, both in the field and behind the scenes, helping us do more for birds, wildlife and habitat in northern Virginia.
Want to join us?
Check out our volunteer page for all the different ways you can lend a hand! From pulling invasive plants at habitat restoration sites to citizen science efforts like counting birds and insects, there’s something for everyone.
Become a Member
Join our roost! NVBA members are eligible for perks like discounted ticket prices on classes, members-only events and bird outings. Plus access to our wonderfully supportive community of birders, conservation advocates and nature lovers.
We have two local membership options: one for individuals and one for families. Check out our membership page for more information. We hope you’ll join us!
Our conservation work is only possible with YOU!
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance relies on our members and volunteers to power our conservation work. Consider joining us, making a contribution or becoming a volunteer to help protect northern Virginia’s birds and the habitat they need.