Child holds a bouquet of orange and yellow wildflowers at Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary

Diversity

CRWD’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) has made diversity and inclusion a priority. Read a summary of the work we’ve done since adopting the District’s first Diversity Plan in 2018. See below for an overview of the District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plan goals. A link to the full DEI Plan and summary follows.

1.   Expand CRWD’s internal awareness of the opportunities and challenges related to creating a more diverse and inclusive environment.

  • All staff, Board of Managers, and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members will be required to attend an implicit bias and anti-racist training.
  • Staff will continue to meet each month to discuss diversity and inclusion topics.
  • Staff will provide a Diversity Plan update for the Board of Managers and CAC.

2.   Deepen relationships with many communities in CRWD by increasing outreach.

  • Staff will participate in and support community gatherings serving Black, Indigenous, people of color, recent immigrants, young adults, and youth.
  • Staff will promote Stewardship and Partner Grant programs in the central and eastern portions of the District to expand clean water programs and projects.
  • Staff will create culturally appropriate communications materials.

3.   Increase organizational diversity and inclusion efforts by increasing recruitment of candidates who truly represent our district for staff, CAC and service providers.

  • Staff will use best practices for inclusive hiring for all positions.
  • Staff will review youth internship and career development opportunities offered by CRWD and its partners. They will be adapted to serve Black, Indigenous, youth of color.
  • Staff will increase contracting with Targeted Group/Economically Disadvantaged/Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

4.   Be a Leader in Diversity and Inclusion.

  • Staff will work with the state of Minnesota, Ramsey County and our cities to share CRWD’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Staff, Board and CAC members will advocate for diversity and inclusion in all facets of the District’s work.

CRWD welcomes the opportunity to talk with you about the work we have completed so far and ways to continue growing and improving in the future.

View Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan and Summary

This recording is a presentation of the DEI Plan by Belinda Gardner, MBA, CRWD Diversity Coordinator was offered at Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts’ (MAWD) Annual Conference in December 2020.

#Blues4George

#Blues4George stencil available to download: http://seitujonesstudio.com/blues4george/

Courtesy of the artist, former CRWD Board Manager Seitu Jones.

Capitol Region Watershed District remembers George Floyd and stands with our Black staff, board members and residents against racism. Like many of you, we’re grieving, listening, and continuing to work towards a world that is equitable and just.