ANCA Peer CONNECTS: DEI Discussion Group
In our most recent strategic plan, ANCA 2025, we stated a desire to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our membership and the profession. As part of this goal, we are hosting a DEI Discussion Group through our ANCA Peer CONNECTS program so that ANCA members and non-members can discuss relevant DEI resources, find support and inspiration from each other, and make plans for action. At each meeting the group will discuss a particular theme with opportunities for you to explore your own topics. The idea is that whatever format works best for you, you’ll have a way to engage!
Meetings take place over Zoom; registration for each meeting is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. You can register for one meeting at a time, or opt to register for multiple meetings at once.
Meetings
Wednesday, January 25 — DEI and Your Organizational Structure
10-11am AKT / 11am-12pm PT / 12-1pm MT / 1-2pm CT / 2-3pm ET
So you’re ready to implement DEI into your organizational structure, but not sure where to start? Here we’ll discuss how to cultivate buy-in from your stakeholders and take the next steps so that DEI is an integrated part of all your operations, rather than a siloed initiative. Whether your organization is just starting out or has been on a DEI journey for years, you can come to learn and share with your fellow peers in this Facilitated Discussion.
Wednesday, March 29 — Access for All Abilities: Ableism in Nature
10-11am AKT / 11am-12pm PT / 12-1pm MT / 1-2pm CT / 2-3pm ET
Is your nature center accessible? Access to nature is important for everyone, abled and disabled. In this session we’ll discuss the differences in abilities that we should be aware of, and what changes we can make to better accommodate disabled community members. Join us for a Facilitated Discussion with your fellow peers.
Wednesday, May 24 — Land Acknowledgement and DEI Statements
10-11am AKT / 11am-12pm PT / 12-1pm MT / 1-2pm CT / 2-3pm ET
Acknowledgments and statements can be an important measure when paired with action — but such articulations need to be intentional and purposeful. In this session we’ll discuss best practices for crafting a statement and who should be part of the process, as well as how to communicate the statement to stakeholders. We’ll also have time to share resources and statements from our own organizations.
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ANCA Peer CONNECTS bring together nature and environmental learning center leaders who share a common challenge or who represent a specific type of organization. They are available to ANCA Members and non-members.
To qualify for the member rate, attendees need to be current Student, Emeritus, Associate, or Professional Members or an employee or board member of an Organization Member. Not a member? You can join here. Want to upgrade to an Organization membership? Please email .
In ANCA Peer CONNECTS, all attendees contribute to a shared dialogue that brings out an abundance of perspectives, possibilities, and renewed energy. We invite you to participate in the discussion and bring your questions, challenges, and solutions to the conversation.
If you have questions, please contact ANCA Membership & Programs Coordinator Daniel Auer, at .