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    Equitable Access – Programs, Services and Projects

    Embedding principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in your programs, services and projects, such as going beyond just allowing public access to taking actions to ensure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable and that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from your programs and services.

    There are many aspects of land trusts’ programs, services and projects that may be creating barriers that unintentionally but functionally keep partners, communities, visitors and others from participating. As you evaluate existing programs, services and projects, and create new ones, keep in mind some key questions to ask:

    • Are there historic barriers that your land trust board, staff and volunteers may not have ever encountered but others have?

      Have you researched the history of your community, region or service area?

      • Were there massacres of Indigenous people in your region?

      • Were local, state and national parks segregated or only open to whites in your community?

      • Were public swimming pools closed rather than let Black, Indigenous and People of Color swim in them?

      • Were people enslaved legally?

      • Were there “hanging trees,” “beating trees” or other similar atrocities carried out in the outdoors? (Note: White on Black violence, for example, was not just a practice in the U.S. South; see Red Summer of 1919 stories, timeline and map.)

      • Were there Japanese American internment camps in your state (See National Park Service’s “Japanese American Life During Internment”)?

      • Were other systemically excluded peoples’ lands seized in the name of national security?

      • Are there landmarks, roads or other place names that contain offensive or derogatory words?

      Learn more about the history of private land conservation and communities in your region

    • Are there economic barriers to participating?

      • Do your events require special gear that may not be affordable to all in your community? This can range from specialized high-priced gear, such as hiking boots, mountain bikes, tents, kayaks and skis, to warm coats, sneakers that fit well, gloves and bathing suits.

      • Are there fees for participating?

      • Do you provide childcare onsite during meetings so working parents or single parents can participate?

    • Are there transportation barriers to participating?

      • Is a car needed to get to the event or program?

      • If there is public transportation available, can participants get there in a reasonable amount of time?

      • If you’re offering programs for young people, will there be transportation available to pick up the youth after school and drive them home afterwards?

    • Are there language barriers to participating?

      • Are your flyers or notices about programs, services and events available in all the languages spoken in your community or service area?

      • Are you able to offer simultaneous interpretation so people can listen and participate fully in meetings and events, understanding the dialogue, presentations and other information being shared?

    • Are there safety and comfort barriers to participating?

      • Are there historical reasons people might not feel safe?

      • Will there be people who look like those who participate in your events, programs, meetings, services?

      • Will special accommodations need to be made to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences?

      • Do you offer sign language interpreters and closed captioning?

      • Are bathrooms accessible?

    Resources for change

    Creating equitable access

    These essential resources will help you understand what equitable access means for your organization.

    Next steps

    Questions for further reflection

    • To what extent are the programs and services of your organization accessible to people of all differences (gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion, nationality, language)?

    Actions

    What two to three actions can your organization take to improve access to its programs and services?

    Identify two to three actions your land trust can take to be more inclusive to people with disabilities.

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