What We Do

Through the following programs, Diversity Matters provides resources and expertise to support and strengthen progressive movements by building leadership through learning, education, and skill development; organizational consulting; and movement-wide organizing for systemic change.

Education and learning programs bring the best in diversity and inclusion theory and practice from other sectors to a broad cross section of environmental and social change practitioners with the goal of increasing skills and laying the groundwork for organizational change.

The Leadership Series for Environmental and Social Change is a 5-part program designed to foster knowledgeable and skilled leadership to make diversity a hallmark and fundamental asset of environmental and social change efforts. Sessions that comprise the Diversity for Environmental and Social Change Leadership Series are offered regularly across the country. The five sessions of the Leadership Series are sequential. (Session 1 is a prerequisite for Session 2; Session 1 and 2 are a prerequisite for Session 3, etc.) Graduates of all five sessions receive a Certificate, upon completion of the Leadership Series.

Organizational consulting provides hands-on guidance to help leaders institutionalize diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence throughout their organizations and programmatic work.

Diversity Learning Communities convene regularly and sponsor special events creating dynamic, place-based communities focused on promoting diversity in environmental and social change. They serve as a hub for diversity resources, collaboration, and ongoing learning at the individual, organizational, and movement levels.

Diversity Leadership Networks provide support and leadership development to individuals within specific social identity groups.

The DM National People of Color Network provides learning and leadership development opportunities and support for people of color to sustain their passion and engagement in social change as a career.

Diversity Pipeline Initiatives aim to increase both the number of people from underrepresented groups working in and serving on boards of environmental and social change organizations and their retention rates. Importantly, Diversity Matters’ work inextricably ties recruitment to culture change, going beyond numerical representation within organizations.

Communications programs articulate well-crafted presentations on diversity’s importance to the long-term impact and success of environmental and social change organizations.

The Diversity Matters Resource Hub and blog will provide a central hub for information and resources for ongoing personal learning and organizational development.