https://vt.audubon.org/events/equity-diversity-inclusion-belonging-environmental-movement
An interactive conversation about equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the environmental movement with Audubon Vermont.
Join us for a conversation with David Mears and Gwen Causer from Audubon Vermont as they describe the work they are doing to become an organization that embraces and advances principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, as part of Audubon’s mission to protect birds and the places birds need to thrive. They will reflect on Audubon’s journey to become an anti-racist organization, including missteps, challenges, and lessons learned. We will invite participants to share and reflect on their own thoughts on how the work of the environmental movement can become more equitable and inclusive.
Gwendolyn Causer – Teacher/Naturalist & Communications Manager (she/her/hers):
Gwendolyn grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio. Gwendolyn was introduced to Audubon in 2002, diving into the wonderful preschool and family programs with her daughter Ella. She deepened her connection to Audubon as a volunteer with Ella, monitoring Eastern Bluebird nest boxes and Eastern Red-Backed Salamander populations. Gwendolyn Causer has been teaching environmental education programs with Audubon Vermont since 2005. Gwendolyn’s first love in nature is botany and she does most of her birding by ear. She is passionate about creating equitable access to nature for communities not traditionally included in the environmental movement. Gwendolyn lives near Lake Champlain in Burlington and enjoys Nordic skiing, swimming, and skating on “wild” ice.
David Mears – Executive Director (he/him/his):
David joined Audubon in the fall of 2018. He directs Audubon Vermont and in this role, supports the educational and outreach programs based out of the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington. David also coordinates policy work for Audubon Vermont focused on bird species protection in the areas of climate, working lands, water, and bird-friendly communities. Prior to joining Audubon Vermont, he served as the Associate Dean of Environmental Programs at Vermont Law School. In addition to serving as a professor and administrator at Vermont Law School, David has held a number of positions in state and federal government including serving as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation from 2011 to 2015. He has also served in Texas state government, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the Washington Office of the Attorney General in the Ecology Division. David has a degree in environmental engineering technology from Cornell University, and a Juris Doctor and Masters of Environmental Law and Policy degrees from Vermont Law School. He lives in Montpelier with his wife Nancy and spends his free time in the garden or roaming the hills, rivers and lakes in the region.
*This event is hosted, sponsored, and funded by Ninevah Foundation in partnership with the guest speaker. Please consider donating to these organizations to support future programming such as this.