Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Statement

The Climate Land Leaders Initiative acknowledges that land tenure in the United States is overwhelmingly White and privileged. We believe that prioritizing equity is key to dismantling the inequalities that limit access to land. In 2024, the Climate Land Leaders Board of Directors approved a Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement that includes the following:

JUSTICE responds with action. As abolitionist Frederick Douglass said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.”

EQUITY responds to mutual knowledge, respect and invitation.

DIVERSITY ensures that a variety of individuals, groups and communities with different characteristics flourish together.

INCLUSION asks us to consider who is the Other, who is not in the room and of those present, who has not been heard.

In all that the Climate Land Leaders Initiative does, we seek to change the deeply entrenched practices, cultural norms and decision-making structures that perpetuate inequities. We know that power associates with power. We recognize that racial injustice is at the center of our nation’s history, and its devastation remains largely unrepaired. We acknowledge that land tenure in the United States is overwhelmingly White and privileged and believe that prioritizing equity is key to dismantling the inequalities that limit access to land.

We:

Inspire courage and practice optimism, knowing that creating a new system requires a creation and willingness to struggle.

Understand and acknowledge both individual and organizational contributions to systems of oppression as they relate to our work in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Are willing to listen and adapt in order to provide a platform for education, engagement and advocacy rooted in a strong ethical foundation.

Create cultures that recognize, solicit and value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, voices, roles, feedback and contributions and promote constructive questioning.

Build respectful and trustworthy engagement that is equitable, respectful, innovative and authentic with external partners, including volunteers, members and allies.

Are accountable in developing diverse and inclusive teams, making decisions equitably, communicating clearly and demonstrating transparency when possible and modeling inclusive behaviors.