Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Photo by Sue Larkin
KAS’s Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
“The Kitsap Audubon Society strives to provide a welcoming environment for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and members with disabilities who share a passion for wildlife and the conservation and restoration of their habitats. The preservation of our environment requires the help of everyone; alienating anyone from that work and the rewards of engaging with it would be a grave mistake and an injustice to all our communities.
We recognize that the historical oppression of specific groups has created modern systems of inequity which impact our lives daily. We know that we must actively work against systems of exclusion and marginalization or else risk unintentionally perpetuating those systems.
The Kitsap Audubon Society would like to acknowledge that we operate on Suquamish and S’Klallam land, and our shared stewardship of that land must reflect a respect and inclusion of Suquamish and S’Klallam Tribes.
Together, we are undertaking an effort to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion and to uphold those values. We invite you to join us in our efforts!” - KAS EDI Committee
National Audubon's Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:
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
Let’s Go Birding Together
The Let's Go Birding Together (LGBT) initiative fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for everyone in our community, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and individuals with disabilities. Its primary purpose is to make the joy of birding accessible to all and ensure everyone feels comfortable participating in nature exploration. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our appreciation of the natural world. Please keep an eye on our main calendar for upcoming LGBT events, walks, and gatherings!
If you would like to lead or request a field trip, please contact us.
The Birdability Map is a crowdsourced map that describes in detail the accessibility features of birding locations all over the world. It is a work-in-progress, and anyone can contribute to it by submitting a Birdability Site Review
Accessible-to-All
Kitsap Audubon is committed to the principle that birding and nature exploration should be accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of physical ability, background, or identity. Our Accessible-to-All Initiative is dedicated to actively breaking down barriers by prioritizing field trip locations with accessible paths and facilities, and by ensuring all our resources and programs are designed with inclusivity in mind. We are continually working to ensure that the beauty of the natural world can be appreciated by every member of our community.
We are proud to stand with Birdability, a national organization whose vision is that birding is for everybody and every body. Our Accessible-to-All Initiative is inspired by their work to ensure the birding community is welcoming, inclusive, safe, and accessible for those facing mobility challenges, chronic illness, and other health concerns. We utilize Birdability's guidance to improve the physical accessibility of our local birding locations and to empower our leaders to create truly welcoming experiences, ensuring that more people can discover the restorative joy of birding.
