We believe in keeping it Colorado for ALL Coloradans – including Black people and all people of color. We see what’s happening in our country and our state, and we recognize that society has caused great damage and pain for Black members of our community for far too long. We don’t have the answers, but we are listening, and we are learning. And we stand behind the Black community.
Sometimes, it may be hard to see a clear tie between social change and environmental change; but the conservation movement needs to be about both. We know that Black, brown and low-income communities have less access to clean water, clean air and natural spaces. It’s a conservation issue, and it’s a racial inequity issue, and they are connected. As we continue to support and protect the lands and waters that make up our state, we know that the result will be better when the people impacted are included in the process, feel connected to this work and are invited to contribute their voice. As a conservation community, we can do better.
—Melissa Daruna, Executive Director, Keep It Colorado
How will Keep It Colorado “do better”?
As a statewide voice for conservation, and led by a small team of women who share personal values around equity and justice, Keep It Colorado has a role to play in helping to address historical problems around racial inequity in the outdoors. We’re paying attention to what’s being said and written about the intersectionality of environmentalism and race. We are also listening to the forward-thinking ways many of our coalition members are already addressing issues of inequity in their local communities across the state.
Our commitment involves: 1) Learning about ways our organization and the Colorado conservation community can step up; 2) Gathering resources and tools to share with our board and coalition members; 3) Leading or engaging in conversations around how conservation connects with equity in the outdoors; and 4) Seeking training to facilitate these learnings and conversations.
Finally, playing a role in addressing inequity aligns with our core values, which state that: “We value Colorado, bold ideas, problem-solving, an inclusive and collective approach, a strong service ethic and balance. ” Addressing racial inequity in the outdoors will be a process that will take time to figure out; we also know that we can’t do it alone. We welcome those for whom this topic is important to connect with us and help us spark a dialogue.
