Building a Stronger Greenway, Together
We believe that when we are connected to nature, our lives are better. We are healthier, happier, and our communities are stronger. And yet, we recognize that not all people have the same opportunities to access the outdoors and the benefits it offers.
We work to foster stronger communities and a healthier environment by promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and broad participation in the Greenway NHA. This approach builds on the Greenway Trust’s long-standing role as a convener, bringing together people from across the region to shape conservation efforts and outdoor access for all.
We have been working to identify and implement structural and cultural changes that increase safety and wellbeing internally in our workplace, and that set a larger table for collaboration and engagement in the communities we serve. Our efforts are guided by the following commitments:
- Strive to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for our staff members, board of directors, partners, and all who interact with the Greenway Trust.
- Purposefully reflect on who is at the table and who is not at the table, and seek opportunities for meaningful engagement with a broader set of populations.
- Engage and listen to people with a variety of perspectives and experiences so that together we can create better solutions for our communities and for this landscape.
- Recruit board members and staff who bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Elevate less-heard voices and provide a platform for people to share stories of their unique relationship to this place.
Our Commitment in Action:
To cultivate an organization that is welcoming and representative of the people in the Greenway NHA, we are acting on our commitments to create programming that is accessible to all communities across the landscape, and to continually improve our internal practices and culture. Actions include:
In the work that we do:
- Restoration: Collaborating with Tribes, agencies, and conservation groups on salmon recovery and ecological restoration. Building relationships with local communities for investment in projects like urban forest restoration. Seeking input on restoration projects from Tribal staff to incorporate better stewardship practices that incorporate and protect culturally significant native plants and wildlife.
- Recreation: Encouraging agencies to incorporate input from Tribes and many different groups in project plans and designs. Assisting agencies and municipalities with complex trail connections. Working with agencies and community groups to improve accessibility of outdoor recreation via public transit, accessible design, and public outreach and education. Creating volunteer opportunities with partner organizations that provide opportunities for equal participation and connection.
- Education: Teaching students about ecosystems and stewardship, prioritizing schools with low-income families. Offering paid high school internships to teach youth about green career paths, providing opportunities to hear from experts from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds.
- Communications and Public Outreach: Amplifying stories told by overlooked voices, ensuring that a broad range of perspectives are not only heard, but also celebrated. Organizing accessible interpretive events, designed collaboratively with and for local communities. Maintaining collaborative relationships with Tribes to create interpretive materials and events that showcase native stories in the Greenway NHA. Collaborating with other NHAs to engage communities across the country in celebrating our unique histories, heritages, and cultures as a member of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas.
- Community Partnerships: Developing partnerships with community groups to exchange knowledge, share resources, and collaborate on common goals. Assisting partner organizations with grant applications and providing funds to support local conservation and outdoor engagement efforts, contributing to broader regional initiatives.
In the Greenway Trust’s Organizational Culture and Practices:
- Improving recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to promote job opportunities, reach a broader pool of applicants, and create a more welcoming environment for all Greenway Trust staff members.
- Recruiting board and staff members who bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Providing competitive wages, as well as flexible health and retirement benefits.
- Investing in staff development through coaching and training opportunities, covering topics such as Washington Tribes and Treaty Rights, supervisory trainings, intergenerational communication, etc.
- Deepening staff relationships through team building and opportunities for learning and practicing skills to communicate across differences, as well as providing time, space, and resources for learning and support among both staff of color and white staff.
- Strengthening accountability and transparency for organizational priority setting and budgets.
Progressing With Purpose
As with so much of the Greenway Trust’s work to conserve and enhance the Greenway NHA, we know that meaningful progress takes time, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement. While challenges may arise, we believe that staying true to our values and commitments is essential to fulfilling our mission. We look forward to working together with our partners and community members to advance these efforts.
Questions? Please feel free to connect with us: info@mtsgreenway.org.
