As a global community, the Rainforest Alliance believes that a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment is crucial in all aspects of our work to achieve a world where people and nature can thrive in harmony together. We believe our workforce and alliances should reflect the diverse communities and geographies in which we work. We are building a culture that seeks out and serves the interests of those with different or underrepresented backgrounds, identities, abilities, cultures, and perspectives. Any meaningful change we want to achieve for people and nature hinges upon prioritizing equity and fairness.
Diversity
Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. It is all-inclusive and recognizes everyone and every group as part of the diversity that should be valued. A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender—the groups that most often come to mind when the term “diversity” is used—but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, location, and physical appearance. It also involves different ideas, perspectives, and values.
Equity
This is the approach to how we work towards a more diverse and inclusive environment. It refers to dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities and the integration of impartial and fair policies to ensure all individuals and communities can live a full and dignified life.
Inclusion
Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power.
Definitions include input from MP Associates, Center for Assessment and Policy Development, and World Trust Educational Services, October 2021, citing UC Berkeley Center for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, “Glossary of Terms” (page 34 in 2009 Strategic Plan) and OpenSource Leadership Strategies.