Workplace Safety, Care, Transparency & Belonging Working Panel // Round Table

Workplace Safety, Care, Transparency & Belonging Working Panel // Round Table

Moderated by Parker McMullen Bushman (EcoInclusive), organized by Elyssa Kerr (Beavers Northwest), Anna Le (Grayling Education) & Shelby Weigand (National Widlife Federation)

Ecoinclusive Strategies will provide training and facilitate round table discussions about Enhancing Field Safety and Inclusivity. This session at BeaverCon 2024 is an opportunity to address critical issues related to field safety and inclusivity within the conservation community.

Imagine a fieldwork environment where every individual, regardless of their identity, feels safe, respected, and included. Join us at BeaverCon 2024 for a transformative session dedicated to making this vision a reality. We will delve into the unique challenges faced by queer, femme, and BIPOC individuals in field settings, exploring practical strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere. By addressing power dynamics in partnerships and employment, we will uncover ways to create equitable work relationships and ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

In addition to these critical discussions, we will introduce the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and demonstrate their importance in working with Indigenous Peoples. Our session combines short, impactful presentations with interactive roundtable discussions, enabling participants to share their experiences and develop actionable steps for their organizations. Join us for this engaging and essential session, and leave with the knowledge and tools to enhance safety and inclusivity in your fieldwork practices, contributing to a future of ecological balance with beavers and beyond.

This session will include facilitated breakout groups where participants can share experiences, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions that can be implemented within their organizations.

We will address the critical issues surrounding safety and inclusion for marginalized identities in fieldwork, with a focus on conservation efforts, including beaver coexistence work. Participants will explore the unique challenges faced by queer, femme, and BIPOC individuals when engaging with the public and working in field environments. We will examine the dynamics of power within conservation organizations and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and inclusive workspaces.

Meet Parker McMullen Bushman, a trailblazer in the conservation and environmental movements. As the CEO/Founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies and Founder of Summit For Action, Parker is dedicated to reshaping these fields to be more inclusive and equitable. Recognized by Outside Magazine in 2022 as one of the 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry, Parker is a dynamic speaker and facilitator, igniting conversations on diversity and organizational transformation.

Parker is driven by an unwavering commitment to environmental justice. Her journey in conservation and environmental movements has been deeply influenced by her passion for equity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Growing up, Parker experienced firsthand the stark disparities in access to green spaces and opportunities for engagement in environmental issues among marginalized communities. These experiences ignited her dedication to addressing systemic injustices within these fields. Parker believes that true conservation efforts must prioritize the needs and voices of all communities, especially those historically marginalized and disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation.

Parker's work with Ecoinclusive Strategies and Summit for Action reflects her deep-rooted commitment to environmental justice. Through these initiatives, she empowers organizations to not only embrace diversity but also to address the underlying systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to outdoor spaces and environmental resources. Through her work and volunteering on various committees and boards, Parker continues to push for meaningful change in environmental fields, advocating for policies and practices that prioritize justice, accessibility, and equity.