John, 

At WCA, we believe in a culture of learning and growing. In our journey, we’ve come to understand that racism is inextricably linked to climate change: The industries and systems that are damaging both the planet and people profit by shunting pollution and its problems onto those least responsible, and those least able to respond. Greenhouse gas pollution disproportionately harms communities of color, Tribal nations and rural communities.

Ten years ago, few organizations were doing the important work of addressing environmental racism. We started that work slowly and gradually. We made mistakes. We moved forward, only to move back and then forward again. We continue to lean in, to learn, and to grow.  

As our commitment to anti-racism strengthened, we realized that fighting inequality is not only the best way forward in our work, but the only way. Because of our anti-racism work, we developed new partnerships, new ways of thinking and working. Eventually, this approach resulted in better progress. For instance, the relationships we fostered in this work made possible the broad coalition that passed the Climate Commitment Act, our state’s polluter-pay law, the nation’s strongest.

That’s why, I am humbled to share Washington Conservation Action’s Racial Equity Report, chronicling our journey since 2014 and our progress to advance racial equity and environmental justice within our organization and in the broader environmental movement.

Thanks to our former CEO Joan Crooks, previous board members, and the countless staff who pushed us to stretch and grow. I would also like to thank our organizational partners across Washington who have encouraged this work and kept us accountable to our ideals. 

We remain committed to anti-racism and equity as the norm in our organization, in our movement, and in our communities.

Tomorrow, as a continuation of this work, we’re joining national organizations to announce being a part of the Pay Equity Pledge, which is a campaign to increase pay equity for people of color—particularly women of color— in environmental organizations. In the meantime, you can learn more about our racial justice journey here. 
 

In humble gratitude,
Alyssa Macy (she/her)
CEO, Washington Conservation Action
Citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon

Join us for Spark: Powering Transformative Change, our annual event on May 9, 2024.
We are excited to gather in community to meet the moment for healthy communities, a clean environment, and justice!