Demonstrating our Commitment to ED&I
We are committed to ensuring our organization exemplifies equity, diversity, and inclusion, from its Board of Directors, staff, and constituents. We will continue to engage with our partners, allies, community members, donors, and others to ensure our mission and strategy are equitable, inclusive, and just.
To learn more about our journey, below are a few actionable steps we have taken to continue our transformation.
2023
2023: ED&I Committee Restructured
We restructured our existing committee into an ED&I Task Force that includes representatives from staff, Board Committees, and our different program areas to ensure ED&I is prioritized across the organization.
2022: Equity-Focused Mentorship Program Developed
Illinois Green volunteers collaborated with the ED&I Committee to pilot a mentorship program that matches college students and young professionals with green building professionals focused on diversifying and promoting inclusivity in the building industry.
2019-01-01
2022: Staff Policies Updated
A full update was made to policies for employees to make them more equitable and inclusive. New policies include 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, the addition of a floating holiday, and cementing our flexible and hybrid work schedule.
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2022: Equity Elements of CEJA Panel Held
Panelists highlighted the equity components of the recently passed Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that will diversify the clean energy workforce, ensure access to renewable energy, and advance net zero buildings for all communities.
2019-01-01
2021: Green Building Advocacy Roundtable Held
The panelists explored the link between racial injustices and the climate crisis and how green buildings are a key component to creating equitable, sustainable communities.
2019-01-01
2021: Racial Equity Training
Cream City Conservation provided a history of the construction of race. The Board, staff, and volunteers examined the relationship between race and inequities in institutional and interpersonal spaces.
2019-01-01
2020: BLM Statement from the Board
We released a statement condemning the systemic racism that has contributed to socio-economic and racial injustice. We acknowledge the work our organization needs to do to fight against structures of systemic inequities, privilege, and racial disparity.
2019-01-01
2020: Board & Staff Complete IDI Assessment
This assessment examines cross-cultural competencies of the organization and increased organization-level understanding of inter-cultural issues.
2019-01-01
2019: First ED&I Roundtable Held
The panelists shared professional and personal insights on what it means to be a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization.
2019-01-01
2018: Board of Directors Updates Bylaws
Our membership and Board crafted and approved an update to the bylaws to include a statement to formally monitor and improve diversity & inclusion initiatives across the organization.
ED&I Task Force
The Illinois Green Alliance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee was formed in 2018. In 2022, the committee was evolved into a Task Force to consistently incorporate conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion into all program areas. The Task Force composed of at least one EDI liaison from each program and organizational committee. Currently, these include: Board of Directors, Illinois Green Staff, Programs Committee, Auxiliary Board, Governance Committee, Fundraising Committee, and the Marketing and Communications Committee.
Task Force Members
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- Prachi Sharma Field Outreach Manager, Slipstream (Board of Directors, Mentorship Program Lead)
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- Wayne Beals Realtor, The Beals Group (Programs Committee)
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- Justin Johnson Energy Field Specialist, Evergreen Consulting Group (Auxiliary Board)
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- Lindsay Buckwell Program Manager, Evergreen Consulting Group (Governance Committee)
- Mohammad Abbasi Healthy Building Specialist, WSP USA (Volunteer, Mentorship Program Lead)
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- Brian Imus Executive Director, Illinois Green Alliance (Fundraising Committee)
Measuring Diversity Across Illinois Green Alliance
Board of Directors
Membership
Auxiliary Board
In 2022, 28% of speakers at our education programs were people of color.
Resources
Connecting Equity & the Environment
- Black Lives Matter & Climate Change - How to Save a Planet Podcast
- Intersectional Environmentalist
Feedback
Have resources, ideas, or questions to share with us? Email Brian Imus - bimus@illinoisgreenalliance.org