Sonoma Ecology Center is in solidarity with the call for racial justice that is ringing out across our country. Our community is in pain, and we feel it. We commit to working to increase social equity and environmental justice in Sonoma Valley.
We recognize that Sonoma Ecology Center’s work—as an educator, a steward of public parks, an influencer of public policy, a community organizer, and an employer—is inextricably linked with social justice.
We commit to working to ensure safety, equity and justice for black people and our communities of color in Sonoma Valley. We start by saying the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Christian Cooper, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Philando Castile in recognition of police brutality, systemic violence and institutionalized racism and to call for justice. We are committed to taking action, starting with ourselves, our own organization, and invite you to do the same.
Black people and communities of color do not have equal access to safety, clean air, clean water, open space, secure housing, and are disproportionately impacted by climate change. We all need to work to correct these inequities.
We are reviewing our policies and programs for opportunities to ensure that within our broad scope of work, we are advancing equity, inclusion and environmental justice in Sonoma Valley.
We have a lot to learn and do. As an organization dedicated to working with our community to achieve a thriving and sustainable Sonoma Valley, we stand with people of color—in Sonoma Valley and everywhere—fighting for justice.
Here are some resources on actions you can take with us:
- Educate yourself on race, privilege and implicit bias.
- Support black, native, POC-Immigrant and People of Color owned businesses in Sonoma County
- Sign petitions
- Text or call representatives
From all of us at Sonoma Ecology Center,
Image credit: 1% for the Planet