BTCEA’s Commitment to Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDDI)

BTCEA recognizes that the impacts of climate change are not distributed equally, and our approach reflects a commitment to uplifting and centering marginalized and equity-deserving communities. We are committed to amplifying diverse voices and addressing these inequities through the upholding of JEDDI principles.

In 2020, our team developed an internal JEDDI committee focused on learning, holding ourselves accountable, and identifying areas for improvement within our programs and our organizational policies and practices. Our JEDDI commitments are ongoing processes that require continuous learning and un-learning, reflection, discussion, and action, and that there is always room to grow.

Justice: We commit to actively identifying, addressing, and dismantling systemic barriers that create inequities in our organizational policies and practices. We strive to create structures that ensure transparent decision-making and fair treatment to all individuals with links to BTCEA. Equity: We commit to providing individuals with the resources, opportunities, guidance, and support they need to succeed within and in contact with our organization, recognizing that different individuals may have different needs and approaches, and removing barriers to ensure equitable access and participation. Diversity: We commit to cultivating educational materials and a workplace that both reflects and welcomes all identities, backgrounds, and perspectives throughout all of BTCEA’s operations. Decolonization: We commit to challenging colonial systems and assumptions in our organizational structure, culture, and programming, while simultaneously centering Indigenous voices, knowledge, and perspectives. Inclusion: We commit to creating an environment where every individual feels respected, safe, and empowered to contribute and meaningfully participate.

Community Representation & Consultation

JEDDI Wisdom Circles: BTCEA hosts a quarterly JEDDI Wisdom Circle, which convenes IBPOC youth to provide continuous and iterative feedback on BTCEA learning materials. Wisdom Circles, which have occurred regularly for over a decade, allow community members to bring forward insights, perspectives, and lived experiences to shape BTCEA’s priorities and program plans. Thank you to our JEDDI Wisdom Circle members for their valued contributions to our work and passion to advocate for racial and environmental justice!

"When I describe the Wisdom Circle to others, I tell them it’s a community before anything else. It’s a place where people show up as themselves and talk about things that matter, such as justice, equity, and well-being. It’s not about being perfect or having the right answers. It’s about shared learning, support, and imagining better ways of doing things." - Mica Dela Cruz, Wisdom Circle Member

Education Advisory Council (EAC): BTCEA benefits from an Education Advisory Council composed of elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators across British Columbia who provide feedback on our learning resources.

Some of Our Internal Initiatives

  • JEDDI Rubric Program Evaluation: BTCEA uses an evolving JEDDI evaluation rubric to continually assess our learning resources, workshops, and internal processes. This ensures our programs align with justice, anti-racism, decolonization, accessibility, and equity commitments.
  • Monthly Full-Team Decolonization Meetings: The BTCEA staff team meets to provide space to center, value, and learn from Indigenous and other diverse perspectives. Staff dialogue, discuss, reflect, and integrate decolonial practices into work and programming.
  • Bi-weekly Internal JEDDI Meetings: The BTCEA staff team holds JEDDI committee meetings that review and update internal policies workshops and learning resources, applying this learning to support the improvement of all internal and external organizational processes with a strong emphasis on accessibility for BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

To learn more, read our full JEDDI Policy:

BTCEA JEDDI Policy Document

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JEDDI Internal Principles

Email:
Phone: 604-269-9874
Address:
949 W 49th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5Z2T1