DEIJ Community of Practice for Wisconsin Conservation

Overview

The Community of Practice is a network of 100+ Wisconsin conservation and environmental education groups committed to collectively advancing efforts to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our work.

Established in 2021, the Community of Practice offers an intentional space to learn together, to set goals for personal and professional growth, and to catalyze action within Wisconsin’s conservation field.

From supporting organizations with how to build diversity, equity, and inclusion into their operations, to sharing best practices on authentically engaging the communities who have been historically excluded from conservation efforts, the Community of Practice offers facilitated discussions and a way to exchange ideas and resources so we can hold each other accountable and strive to move this important work forward.

Erbe Grassland Preserve in Dane County, Wisconsin. Photo by Joshua Mayer

What will we do together?

• Meetings

The Community of Practice meets virtually every two months, inspiring participants to keep this important work moving forward. The facilitated meetings provide space for participants to share ideas, perspectives, challenges, and opportunities, as well as learn and discuss about specific topics. Meetings include a mix of reflective sessions and presentations from guest speakers.

• Continued Learning

The Community of Practice offers continued learning opportunities to keep our broader conservation community learning and engaging in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Opportunities such as presentations, webinars, and more are shared with the community.

• Information Sharing

The Community of Practice provides a space for participants to share ideas, inspiring stories, and resources such as upcoming training opportunities, events, job postings, and more.

How can I join?

Members of the Community of Practice include staff, board members, and volunteers from Wisconsin conservation and environmental education organizations.

Members are expected to actively participate in the bimonthly meetings and work towards their organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts. We hope you will join us in putting in the effort to make positive changes for our conservation sector!

To join the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Community of Practice for Wisconsin Conservation email list, fill out this form. You will receive email updates for meetings and other Community of Practice information.

2025 Meeting Dates

Tuesday, February 4th, 12-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1st, 12-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 3rd, 12-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 12th, 12-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 7th, 12-1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 12-1:30 p.m.

Coordination Team Members

Ashley Gries, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
Shelly Rothman, Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project
Brian Vigue, Audubon Great Lakes
Andy West, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Student Experience & Talent
Cait Williamson, Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

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