SEJ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Adopted by unanimous vote on September 28, 2024

Adopted by unanimous vote of the DEI Committee on Thursday, September 7, 2023 (Members present for vote: R. Moore, A. Ropeik, E. Askari.)

On September 18, 2024, the DEI Committee met and resolved by consensus to finalize this draft by the end of September 22, 2024, at which point it will be made available to the full board of directors for review with a deadline to comment by September 25, 2024. The DEI Committee agreed by consensus to recommend that the board adopt the policy at the September 28, 2024 board meeting. (DEI Committee members present: K. Mendes, N. Lopez, A. Rowlings, H. Parker, R. Moore, E. Askari. Board members present: T. Barboza, B. Magill, R. Kistner.)

SEJ DEI Committee Policy Resolution

Statement of Purpose

SEJ is committed to fostering a field of environmental journalism that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. Therefore, it is SEJ's policy to oppose systemic racism by making decisions through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) — both within the organization and in the field itself. This DEI policy intends to guide how SEJ will work to encourage and support equitable coverage of environmental justice and racism across the globe, as well as expand opportunities for journalists from historically marginalized and oppressed communities who cover the environment.

1. Training. All SEJ board members and staff shall undergo DEI training, under the guidance of the DEI Committee and the Executive Director. Funds will be allocated for this purpose in accordance with the "Spending" section of this policy. DEI training will be provided to contractors, as well as incorporated into board agreements and relevant contracts, on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the Executive Director. SEJ will look for opportunities to connect its members with DEI training.
2. Goals. Each SEJ committee must set at least one annual SMARTIE (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Timebound, Inclusive and Equitable) goal aligned with the purpose of this DEI policy. Each committee is responsible for working with staff toward completing each annual goal. Within a year of setting the goal, each committee and the board must provide a status update to the DEI committee.
3. Spending. As part of the annual budget process, each committee shall make recommendations, for board consideration, on the spending necessary to achieve the above mentioned SMARTIE goals. Additional funds may be dedicated to DEI efforts with approval of the Finance Committee and full Board. 
4. Programs. SEJ will make DEI and environmental justice a central part of SEJ programming, including the planning process for the annual conference. The Programs Committee and Executive Director shall be responsible for formalizing a DEI Rubric for both programming and conference volunteer recruitment that conform to SEJ's DEI values as stated in this policy. 
5. Strategic Planning. The Board and Executive Director will make DEI a foundational pillar of its strategic plans by integrating DEI principles into all levels of strategic planning. That includes the evaluation of strategic planning consultancies, based on the diversity of their leadership and teams, as well as their demonstrated competency in DEI principles and the regular review of strategic planning goals with guidance from the DEI committee to ensure SEJ’s goals remain in alignment with evolving DEI member needs.