Soil and Water Conservation Society Inclusivity and Diversity Pamela Reid Rhoades Mississippi State University SWCS Membership Chair

Historical Perspective Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization Founded in 1943 Serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs, and policy

What is Inclusivity Starts with the recognition of individual diversity Understanding members as individuals and not a homogeneous group Valuing members uniqueness and using that quality for the future growth of SWCS Inclusivity is understanding and designing programs for the different potential that each individual member can bring to SWCS

What is Diversity A measure of the variety of living things in a community, based upon one of several mathematical formulae which account for both numbers of species and numbers of individuals within species. High diversity results from high numbers of species and an even distribution of numbers within species. Stressed environments generally have low diversity. (NOAA Watershed Restoration website)

Members SWCS has over 5,000 members around the world Researchers, administrators, planners, policymakers, technical advisors, teachers, students, farmers, and ranchers. Members come from nearly every academic discipline and many different public, private, and nonprofit institutions

SWCS Chapters 75 chapters throughout United States and Canada Activities at local and state levels. Some at national level Chapters represent the grassroots element of the organization..

National and International Reach The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is committed to researching and the sharing new ideas on conservation. Special Projects Science reached across the globe the make a difference in sustainable conservation implementation

National and International Reach of Special Projects Beyond T: Standards for Sustainable Soil Management Sharing the Cost: Evaluation of Federal Spending on Working Land Conservation CEAP Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations

Thinking Outside the Box Inclusivity of potential members from other disciplines – Rural Water Associations – United State Geological Survey – Urban Foresters – Local Utility Companies – Various levels of membership open the door.

Inclusivity and Diversity SWCS promotes Diversity and Inclusivity – Different Cultures – International – Student – Various levels of membership – Federal, State and Local Government Agencies

Member Inclusion to SWCS Encouraged by an SWCS member Professional memberships expected by employer for evaluation Expected by peers To promote conservation Leadership/volunteer opportunities Networking opportunities Required for membership in my local chapter3.951 Gain new skills or knowledge Gain professional recognition and visibility Publish and present my research and educational programs7.698 To stay informed about developments in my field Other5.359 Total response1297

Diversity of Professionalism Local State/provincial National International Total Respondents1214

Personal Communication One on One conversation Recruiting new members from other disciplines Ask the member to be a part of the leadership team for SWCS

QUESTIONS