Advancing Equity for a River System that is Welcoming to All

To deepen our growth and commitment to our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the staff at Friends of the Chicago River is participating in a series of equity trainings for the conservation community offered by our partners at the Chicago Wilderness Alliance.

The learning series consists of five sessions facilitated by Parker McMullen Bushman, CEO and founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies. Listed by Outside Magazine as one of the 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry, Parker’s courses are designed to specifically address the challenges and needs of people working on environmental issues at any scale and in any location and to explore what it means to be a diversity change agent and create dynamic organizational change.

“To share and expand our knowledge, understanding, and skills, the staff at Friends experiences these training sessions together as a team,” said Becky Lyons, Director of Equity and Engagement, at Friends. “These trainings are helping us reflect on our work together and continue advancing equity within our organization, programs and projects towards a river system that is welcoming and accessible to all.”

The series began in October and concludes next month.