September 2020

Dear John,

At American Rivers, we know that we can’t fight for rivers without fighting for justice. Black, Latino, Indigenous and other people of color are disproportionately impacted by climate change, pollution, flooding and river degradation. These communities are also more likely to lack access to safe, clean affordable water.

As our President and CEO Bob Irvin and Board Chair John Haydock write in today’s joint letter about the release of our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan, “We cannot be complacent about our role or satisfied with business as usual in river conservation.” The new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan will make us a stronger, more inclusive organization and better advocates for the rivers you love.

While these are unprecedented times, we’re more dedicated than ever to a future of clean water and healthy rivers everywhere, for everyone.

We are here for rivers, and we are here for you.

Amy Kober
Vice President, Communications
American Rivers

Diversity, equity and inclusion at American Rivers

A new plan for diversity, equity and inclusion will ensure American Rivers staff and board have the understanding, tools and training to serve as more effective allies and advocates for clean water and healthy rivers nationwide. Read the plan

Exposing the links between flooding and injustice
Throughout the Carolinas, communities were built based on practices that located Black, Latino and Indigenous communities in less-valuable and often flood-prone areas. Gail Lazarus writes about the steps we can take to dismantle longstanding injustices and improve public safety.

Protecting Montana's Badger-Two Medicine
“This landscape has shaped my family for generations, and continues to form my land ethic, inspire the work I do, and mold the person I am,” writes Jessy Stephenson, a descendent of the Pikuni People (Blackfeet).

We need rivers, and rivers need us
In our latest We Are Rivers podcast episode, we talk with the Hispanic Access Foundation’s Jessica Godinez about the importance of water and rivers, and how personal connections drive powerful advocacy.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to REI for their support of our work to protect and restore America’s rivers.

Photo Credits:
Eastern NC after Hurricane Matthew | Photo by U.S. Army National Guard, Capt. Michael Wilbur

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