Since CDE’s beginnings, we have seen enormous growth in the ways people across the environmental movement think about and embody justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. For many of us, it is crystal clear that our personal relationships, professions, and communities are not only enhanced by, but are dependent upon these principles. We do this work not as an addendum, but because it provides the basic building blocks of a better, safer, more free and flourishing world for ourselves and the species with whom we share the planet. 

Even so, this work can be discouraging, confusing—threatening, even—as “DEI” itself has been weaponized against basic conservation efforts, environmental justice, and freedoms for all identities.

CDE’s conversation series In Their Own Words aims to personalize this struggle, remind us we are not alone, and demystify concepts that are currently under attack. The first cohort of participants, in a series of informal interviews with CDE, gave their own “textbook” definitions of chosen terms and concepts, and then shared extemporaneous personal stories related to those terms or concepts. While In Their Own Words may use new prompts, questions, and conversations as the project evolves, stories will always be verbatim and pulled directly from conversation. CDE edits only for length, with the storyteller’s permission.

By bearing witness, sharing insights, opening inquiry, and celebrating individual experience, stories build bridges in discouraging times—supporting informative, reflective, generous, heart-felt engagement in our shared work toward climate justice and racial equity.

After all, it is the stories we share that shape the future we’ll build together.