Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy and Planning Considerations

Climate Classes is committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in its membership and leadership, internal organizational practices, as well as in the planning and execution of climate-focused programming. Climate Classes believes that a progressive approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ensures more effective and sustainable outcomes. For Climate Classes, progressive DEI entails a) engaging various citizen groups; b) understanding the root causes and effects of climate-based issues from multiple perspectives, especially those of more marginalized or disadvantaged communities; and c) actively and routinely considering DEI in all aspects of our work.

As part of its approach to DEI, Climate Classes has developed a checklist of action steps that members can use in guiding the planning and implementation of events and activities. The checklist below is not intended to be a comprehensive set of action steps, and members are encouraged to actively consider additional approaches to DEI. Members are also encouraged to regularly make suggestions for additions to the DEI checklist based on their experience planning and implementing activities. 

Lastly, Climate Classes acknowledges that as a young and small organization with a no budget, it may not be able to fully accommodate all the items identified in the checklist. That said, Climate Classes is committed to considering these important action steps and ways in which they can be more easily integrated into events in the future.

DEI Checklist

• Are experts engaged from: 
  • a diversity of organizations including: local government, national government, community organizers and civil society organizations, and the private sector?
  • a diversity of racial and ethnic backgrounds? (Black and African, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous Peoples)
  • the disability rights community?
  • a diversity of ages?
    • youth (18-29 years old)
    • elderly (65+ years old)
  • the LGBTQI community?
  • the military veteran community?
  • a diversity of religions?
  • myriad political stances, opinions and/or political parties?
• Does the content included in the event address the perspectives of various groups, including:
  • racial and ethnic minorities? (Black and African, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous Peoples)
  • individuals living in rural or socio-economically disadvantaged areas?
  • the disability rights community?
  • a diversity of ages?
    • youth (18-29 years old)
    • elderly (65+ years old)
  • the LGBTQI community?
  • a diversity of religions?
  • military veterans?
  • myriad political stances and opinions and/or political parties?
• Is the content presented in such a way where arguments and counter-arguments can be made?
• Have accessibility accommodations been made to enable the participation of persons with disabilities?
  • Is there an accessible bathroom?
  • Are subtitles or sign language interpretation included in videos?
  • Is a sign-language interpreter assisting in translation?
  • Are online materials accessible via readers or applications for the blind?
• Have disclaimers, ground rules, and/or sensitization efforts been identified for introduction of potentially sensitive or controversial topic areas?