environment_sept2014_adBy 2042, the U.S. population will be majority-minority: those of non-Spanish speaking European heritage will comprise 48% while people of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Indigenous descent will be 52%. This shift change will affect every institution and concern in the U.S., including the environment. A recent study on The State of Diversity in Environmental Organizations recognized the gains women have made while acknowledging that much still needs to be done to be inclusive of people of color.

Despite the growth in the ethnic minority population in the U.S., the percentage of minorities on the boards or general staff of environmental organizations does not exceed 16% in the three types of institutions studied [non-profit, governmental, and granting]. Once hired in environmental organizations, ethnic minorities are concentrated in the lower ranks … [and] occupy less than 12% of the leadership positions. These numbers are even lower in western North Carolina.

WNC is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, U.S. Forest Service, Chimney Rock State Park, and dozens of organizations focusing on land protection and environmental awareness. These regional organizations are hosting “Everybody’s Environment: Voices of Community and Conservation” on October 9 and 10 at the newly renovated Arthur Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street.

A free, public, family fun festival will be held Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The October 10 conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a keynote address by Melanie Allen, Diversity Director for the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, will be followed by breakout sessions and garden tours. Registration is required; there will be a fee for staff and board members of environmental organizations; no charge for community members.

For details, and to register, visit www.diversityed.org/everybodysenvironment.