There is no doubt that even solo consultants want to see the environmental sector become more inclusive and diverse, but knowing how to help or where to start can feel daunting. I’m happy to share some of the ways that I support the cause of the Diverse Sustainability Initiative (DSI) in the hopes that it will spark an idea or two for you.
- I volunteer for the DSI, which is only a small time commitment, but helps take some pressure off the small but dedicated team at IEMA. For me this involves managing part of the social media content, helping in the run up and on the day of the face-to-face events, preparing resources for the website and helping in the search for guest writers for the blog. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Caris, our amazing DSI Officer.
- I try to boost the visibility of DSI content on LinkedIn as well as the content of similar initiatives. When networking or speaking at events I raise awareness of the issue of diversity in our sector and of the DSI itself. When I am asked to speak on panels or help arrange panels, I try to address the need for a diversity of speakers. Even if that means declining the offer to create the space.
- In my own services I offer discounted rates for sustainability newcomers, so that I can give specific advice to those who may not yet have a support network. I also gladly offer my time to anyone who wants to chat about starting out in the industry.
- I attend the DSI events and share learnings with any company open to improving their EDI, not just environmentally focused ones, because my clients inevitably have sustainability teams which could be more diverse.
- My intentions to offer educational content to bring more people into the industry are beginning to materialise and I already offer equity pricing for my first course.
- Last year I spoke at a primary school (with a rich diversity of students) to Years 4-6 about Environmental Management as a profession. I hope to do something similar again this year around Earth Day.
I might not be doing much to move the dial but I feel like this last point in particular, about making the profession more attractive to future generations, is really important!