Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
NACD’s Board of Directors produced a statement on diversity, equity and inclusion in 2020, calling on “conservation districts and state associations to examine their own programs, policies and procedures related to diversity, equity and inclusion … in order to make conservation delivery accessible and available for all Americans.”
On February 8, 2021, NACD announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), coordinated by NACD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, with the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA) and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS).
NACD DEI Toolkit
Welcome to the NACD DEI Toolkit. This resource reflects our own learning and our desire to provide resources to others. It is designed to be a living document, with periodic updates as additional resources are discovered and/or developed. We hope that this Toolkit will help you begin your conversation with yourself and with others. Please explore at your convenience and without judgement.
Should you find another potential resource not included in this list, please notify NACD staff. This compilation of resources and sponsoring organizations does not constitute an endorsement or official position of NACD or its members.
American Business Women’s Association
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)
American Indian/Alaska Native Employees Association for NRCS
American Society of Agronomy/Crop Science Society/Soil Science Society
Asian Pacific Islander Organization
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Counsel on Asian Pacific American Leaders (CAPAL)
Cultivating Change Organization
EDGE – Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education
Equal Opportunity Publications, Inc.
Equality USDA for LGBTQ+ Employees
Federally Employed Women (FEW)
First Nation Developing Institute
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Indian Nations Conservation Alliance
International Leadership Foundation (ILF)
Intertribal Agriculture Council
Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
Minorities in Engineering (MIND)
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO)
National Association of Asian American Professionals
National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA)
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Black MBA Association, Inc.
National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees
National Organization of Professional Hispanic NRCS Employees
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
Out and Equal Workplace Advocates
Out Science Technology Engineering & Math (oSTEM)-LGBTQ
Professional Development Network
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Women in Engineering Division (WIED)
Women in Engineering Programs & Advocates Network (WEPAN)
Women in NRCS (WiN)
Audience: local, state, national
5 Questions for Board Diversity
Taking action on board diversity: Five questions to get you started.
Addressing Bias in Fundraising–Developing an Inclusive Individual Giving Program
This webinar will review the data/context (the what), the impact/outcome (so what), and next steps/resources (now what) to recognize and reduce bias in your fundraising practices.
Building Equity & Inclusion Through the Power of Language
Addresses triggers words that might not be inclusive in some form. The communication skills it promotes is very inclusive and very general. It appears to strive giving all demographics a voice. I recommend considering this organization.
Champion Diversity and Inclusion Inside and Out
Exploration of how to identify and build the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into a nonprofit’s operations. Also discusses how to model those values to advance the organizational mission.
DEI: Holding Ourselves and Each Other Accountable
This session will explore the myriad of ways accountability can show up as we journey towards more equitable and inclusive workplaces. How do we know we are doing it right? What happens when mistakes are made, or harm is done? We will look at accountability strategies to support your goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion and discuss how those intersect with your organizational culture.
Different Is Better: Why Diversity Matters in the Boardroom
This is specific to diversity on boards.
Effective Community and Stakeholder Engagement
How can you more effectively engage traditionally under-engaged communities and stakeholders in conservation management decision-making processes? Join The Avarna Group as they lay out some strategies from their forthcoming Community and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies toolkit (copublished by The Wilderness Society). The webinar will go through various strategies within the cycle of stakeholder engagement.
From Diversity to Inclusion to Equity
Many associations have committed to becoming more diverse and inclusive organizations, but D+I initiatives haven’t fully eliminated barriers for underrepresented people. It’s time to embrace equity.
Report on the connection between healthy soils and healthy communities. The report also describes ways to engage with non-traditional partners around this topic.
How to Ensure Your Website Is Inclusive and Welcoming
As associations welcome an increasingly diverse membership into the fold, the way they communicate is crucial. This is why many organizations are adopting more inclusive language that better reflects the whole community.
How to Make Your Association’s Website More Accessible
Close to 20 percent of Americans self-identify as having a disability, which can make using a website challenging. In order to engage every user, associations should present accessible web content. The result will be attractive, navigable websites that benefit everyone.
Improving your Partnerships with US Indigenous Communities
Native American, or Indigenous lands, are the basis of the United States’ beautiful landscapes worthy of protection. This webinar will address “better” practices on how to talk with Indigenous communities about conservation and land protection as allies and partners. “Best” practices imply that there is a single way and best way to do this; however, better practices include addressing the failures of the past, challenges of the present, and future considerations of land management, traditional knowledge, and meaningful relationships.
Framework for exploring the relationship between those who serve on a board, how it is structured, the culture it cultivates and the way it does its work.
NACD 2005 Outreach for Success Packet Materials
Provides strategies for recruiting a more diverse District Board and the benefits of a more diverse Board.
NACD 2005 Outreach for Success Training design
Adaptable document to aid Districts in reaching their DEI goals.
To Be More Inclusive, Support a Spectrum of Abilities
Useable site with great resources and information.
The Top Five Barriers to Inclusion and Why You Should Avoid Them
People are often unaware of the ways in which their beliefs and perceptions of others affect their behavior—and the result can be an exclusive workplace culture. Here are five barriers to inclusion to watch out for in your organization.
What’s the Difference Between Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity?
Introduction on discussing DEI issues.
Working Across Generations | From Millennials to Boomers: We Can Work it Out
Workplace Inclusion: Welcome to the Dance
Today’s workplaces are filled with talented people with a wide variety of backgrounds, preferences, and work styles. Inclusive managers take steps to ensure that everyone on the team has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Audience: State and Local
Center for Diversity and the Environment
These are constructive, positive videos that describe issues/challenges surrounding DEI.
Audience: National
Choose Clean Water Coalition Toolkit
Example of the type of document an organization might adopt to address DEI issues.
Diversity Inclusion and the Hiring Process
Example of the type of document an organization might adopt to address DEI issues.
Audience: Local, State, National
5 Questions for Board Diversity
Taking action on board diversity: Five questions to get you started.
Preliminary information for people seeking to learn about equity.
Addressing Bias in Fundraising–Developing an Inclusive Individual Giving Program
This webinar will review the data/context (the what), the impact/outcome (so what), and next steps/resources (now what) to recognize and reduce bias in your fundraising practices.
Link provides information on building successful boards. In addition, there are a few blogs/conversation starters that can be used as training tools.
It’s smart to seek out job candidates with different backgrounds and experiences to add fresh viewpoints and skills to your team. To bring in more diverse talent, you can’t keep recruiting in the same places.
Building Equity & Inclusion Through the Power of Language
Addresses triggers words that might not be inclusive in some form. The communication skills it promotes is very inclusive and very general. It appears to strive giving all demographics a voice. I recommend considering this organization.
Cast a Wide Net for Diverse Job Candidates
What really is exciting about a diverse workforce is that it brings creative ideas and thought processes that the organization would otherwise probably miss. People with different backgrounds, interests, and personal histories think differently, and that is such a positive factor in today’s workforce.
Champion Diversity and Inclusion Inside and Out
Exploration of how to identify and build the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into a nonprofit’s operations. Also discusses how to model those values to advance the organizational mission.
Crafting a DEI Case for Change and DEI Statement
Why – why is DEI important to your organization, and What – what are your organization’s specific DEI commitments. TREC clients will gain knowledge and skills on how to craft a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.
DEI: Holding Ourselves and Each Other Accountable
This session will explore the myriad of ways accountability can show up as we journey towards more equitable and inclusive workplaces. How do we know we are doing it right? What happens when mistakes are made, or harm is done? We will look at accountability strategies to support your goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion and discuss how those intersect with your organizational culture.
Lays out pitfalls in DEIJ plans, reports and implementation
Developing an Inclusive Culture
Developing an inclusive culture sounds great in theory, but what does that really mean? What is the difference between inclusive behaviors and inclusive culture? Through interactive content and discussion, we unpack why inclusive culture is critical for effective supervision and leadership. We examine components of organizational culture and identify elements of inclusive culture.
Different Is Better: Why Diversity Matters in the Boardroom
This is specific to diversity on boards.
Environmental Justice and Quality of Life
Data on agricultural, social, racial and gender demographics.
Form Partnerships to Advance Diversity and Inclusion in Your Industry
Making your industry or profession more diverse and inclusive is challenging work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with other organizations in your field can accelerate your progress by combining resources and broadening your reach.
From Diversity to Inclusion to Equity
Many associations have committed to becoming more diverse and inclusive organizations, but D+I initiatives haven’t fully eliminated barriers for underrepresented people. It’s time to embrace equity.
Guide to DEI, why it matters, how foundations should define DEI, how to start addressing DEI, questions on how DEI plays out at the organization.
Report on the connection between healthy soils and healthy communities. The report also describes ways to engage with non-traditional partners around this topic.
How to Ensure Your Website Is Inclusive and Welcoming
As associations welcome an increasingly diverse membership into the fold, the way they communicate is crucial. This is why many organizations are adopting more inclusive language that better reflects the whole community.
If Your Board Looked Like Your Community
Improving your Partnerships with US Indigenous Communities
Native American, or Indigenous lands, are the basis of the United States’ beautiful landscapes worthy of protection. This webinar will address “better” practices on how to talk with Indigenous communities about conservation and land protection as allies and partners. “Best” practices imply that there is a single way and best way to do this; however, better practices include addressing the failures of the past, challenges of the present, and future considerations of land management, traditional knowledge, and meaningful relationships.
NACD 2005 Outreach for Success Packet Materials
Provides strategies for recruiting a more diverse District Board and the benefits of a more diverse Board.
NACD 2005 Outreach for Success Training design
Adaptable document to aid Districts in reaching their DEI goals.
NACD Sample Presentation from 2005 Outreach for Success (PA)
Provides steps on how to gather data to identify demographics within your district (it can be expanded state wide) and how to develop an outreach strategy and recruitment plan and how to implement it.
NACo: County Resources on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Summary of DEI declarations (policy/position statements) from counties across the country.
In this webinar, The Avarna Group will build the foundations for DEI with TREC clients by (a) introducing precise language around diversity, inclusion, cultural competence, and equity so clients can become more fluent in foundational terminology; (b) map out the various reasons why DEI work is critical to the future of the conservation movement; and (c) provide an overview of what DEI work entails.
Recommended Practices for Avoiding Discrimination in Hiring and Termination Decisions
Association HR staff should review policies and practices around hiring and termination to reduce the likelihood that implicit bias is influencing their process and leaving their staff less diverse.
Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Staff: Implementing Better Practices and Mitigating Bias
In this session, we share better practices for creating job descriptions, compensation policies, and onboarding and training plans, all that support both current and new staff. Special emphasis is paid to making the process more equitable and inclusive.
Soul Fire Farm: Anti-Racism, Equity Rubric
Defining problems and creating a progression of where and how to make your board anti-racist
Three Ways to Create a More Inclusive Event
If you’re hearing that some attendees feel out of place at your conference, take these three steps to make sure everyone is welcome.
To Be More Inclusive, Support a Spectrum of Abilities
Useable site with great resources and information.
To Create an Intentional Culture, Ask These Questions
You can’t leave culture to chance—it takes deliberate care and feeding. The answers to six important questions can help you develop a healthy organizational culture that ensures inclusion and accountability and supports success in achieving your mission.
The Top Five Barriers to Inclusion and Why You Should Avoid Them
People are often unaware of the ways in which their beliefs and perceptions of others affect their behavior—and the result can be an exclusive workplace culture. Here are five barriers to inclusion to watch out for in your organization.
Tool for Organizational Self Assessed Related to Racial Equity 2014
This tool is a series of questions for an organization to consider when discussing how to address DEI.
What’s the Difference Between Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity?
Introduction on discussing DEI issues.
Working Across Generations | From Millennials to Boomers: We Can Work it Out
Workplace Inclusion: Welcome to the Dance
Today’s workplaces are filled with talented people with a wide variety of backgrounds, preferences, and work styles. Inclusive managers take steps to ensure that everyone on the team has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Audience: State and Local
Center for Diversity and the Environment
These are constructive, positive videos that describe issues/challenges surrounding DEI.
Audience: Local
Briefer on Conservation District board diversity.
An introduction in looking at your own Conservation District and how you reach out to underserved people.
Audience: National
This is a good framework for considering the topic of DEI. Probably better for a larger organization at the state or national level.
Choose Clean Water Coalition Diversity Toolkit
Example of the type of document an organization might adopt to address DEI issues.
Diversity Inclusion and the Hiring Process
Example of the type of document an organization might adopt to address DEI issues.
Audience: Local, State, National
5 Questions for Board Diversity
Taking action on board diversity: Five questions to get you started.
Preliminary information for people seeking to learn about equity.
Cast a Wide Net for Diverse Job Candidates
What really is exciting about a diverse workforce is that it brings creative ideas and thought processes that the organization would otherwise probably miss. People with different backgrounds, interests, and personal histories think differently, and that is such a positive factor in today’s workforce.
Champion Diversity and Inclusion Inside and Out
Exploration of how to identify and build the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into a nonprofit’s operations. Also discusses how to model those values to advance the organizational mission.
Crafting a DEI Case for Change and DEI Statement
Why – why is DEI important to your organization, and What – what are your organization’s specific DEI commitments. TREC clients will gain knowledge and skills on how to craft a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.
DEI: Holding Ourselves and Each Other Accountable
This session will explore the myriad of ways accountability can show up as we journey towards more equitable and inclusive workplaces. How do we know we are doing it right? What happens when mistakes are made, or harm is done? We will look at accountability strategies to support your goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion and discuss how those intersect with your organizational culture.
Developing an Inclusive Culture
Developing an inclusive culture sounds great in theory, but what does that really mean? What is the difference between inclusive behaviors and inclusive culture? Through interactive content and discussion, we unpack why inclusive culture is critical for effective supervision and leadership. We examine components of organizational culture and identify elements of inclusive culture.
Different Is Better: Why Diversity Matters in the Boardroom
This is specific to diversity on boards.
Environmental Justice and Quality of Life
Data on agricultural, social, racial and gender demographics.
Guide to DEI, why it matters, how foundations should define DEI, how to start addressing DEI, questions on how DEI plays out at the organization.
Report on the connection between healthy soils and healthy communities. The report also describes ways to engage with non-traditional partners around this topic.
How to Make Your Association’s Website More Accessible
Close to 20 percent of Americans self-identify as having a disability, which can make using a website challenging. In order to engage every user, associations should present accessible web content. The result will be attractive, navigable websites that benefit everyone.
If Your Board Looked Like Your Community
Framework for exploring the relationship between those who serve on a board, how it is structured, the culture it cultivates and the way it does its work.
NACD 2005 Outreach for Success Packet Materials
Provides strategies for recruiting a more diverse District Board and the benefits of a more diverse Board.
NACD 2005 Outreach for Success Training design
Adaptable document to aid Districts in reaching their DEI goals.
NACD Sample Presentation from 2005 Outreach for Success (PA)
Provides steps on how to gather data to identify demographics within your district (it can be expanded state wide) and how to develop an outreach strategy and recruitment plan and how to implement it.
Recommended Practices for Avoiding Discrimination in Hiring and Termination Decisions
Association HR staff should review policies and practices around hiring and termination to reduce the likelihood that implicit bias is influencing their process and leaving their staff less diverse.
Soul Fire Farm: Anti-Racism, Equity Rubric
Defining problems and creating a progression of where and how to make your board anti-racist
Three Ways to Create a More Inclusive Event
If you’re hearing that some attendees feel out of place at your conference, take these three steps to make sure everyone is welcome.
To Be More Inclusive, Support a Spectrum of Abilities
Useable site with great resources and information.
To Create an Intentional Culture, Ask These Questions
You can’t leave culture to chance—it takes deliberate care and feeding. The answers to six important questions can help you develop a healthy organizational culture that ensures inclusion and accountability and supports success in achieving your mission.
Tool for Organizational Self Assessed Related to Racial Equity 2014
This tool is a series of questions for an organization to consider when discussing how to address DEI.
What’s the Difference Between Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity?
Introduction on discussing DEI issues.
Working Across Generations | From Millennials to Boomers: We Can Work it Out
Workplace Inclusion: Welcome to the Dance
Today’s workplaces are filled with talented people with a wide variety of backgrounds, preferences, and work styles. Inclusive managers take steps to ensure that everyone on the team has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Audience: State and Local
Center for Diversity and the Environment
These are constructive, positive videos that describe issues/challenges surrounding DEI.
Conservation and Agriculture Reach Everyone
How conservation and agriculture touch everyone.
Audience: Local
Mitigating Bias in Recruitment and Hiring
This session will walk you through how to add an inclusion and equity lens to your recruitment and hiring process, from crafting the job title and description, to internship/fellowship initiatives, to crafting and utilizing hiring rubrics, to interviewing, selecting, and following up with candidates.
An introduction in looking at your own Conservation District and how you reach out to underserved people.
NACD Conservation District Guide – How to Recruit Board Members
Short workbook on how to develop your plan and messaging to recruit board members.
Pierce Conservation District Human Resources Toolkit
Framework and information to assist when recruiting for Conservation District staff positions.
Audience: National
Choose Clean Water Coalition Diversity Toolkit
Example of the type of document an organization might adopt to address DEI issues.
Diversity Inclusion and the Hiring Process
Example of the type of document an organization might adopt to address DEI issues.
Policy
NACo: County Resources on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Summary of DEI declarations (policy/position statements) from counties across the country.
Equity statement from the Pierce Conservation District.
2020 Elections Guide for SWCDs
Example of places to include more outreach and how/where to put inclusive statements.
Data
Environmental Justice and Quality of Life
Data on agricultural, social, racial and gender demographics.
Have suggestions for additional resources? Not seeing what you’re looking for? Please contact NACD Director of Membership Kimberly Uldricks.