By Mark McKechnie, BHAS board member
The Black Hills Audubon Chapter board and its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) subcommittee conducted the first annual survey of members in the fall of 2021 to get a better sense of the chapter’s demographics and to obtain input on future efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. The first survey received 70 responses, which is equal to roughly 10% of current chapter membership who have shared their email addresses with the chapter. .
The response rate was rather small on the first survey, so we cannot be confident that the demographic information gleaned is representative of the chapter as a whole. The board intends to conduct annual surveys in order to increase engagement and awareness of member diversity. It is clear that we have work to do to increase the diversity of the chapter in terms of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Annual surveys will help inform our efforts and track our progress.
The survey provided very useful information on member interest in supporting and participating in chapter initiatives and activities to increase and enhance EDI. Fourteen percent of respondents identified as people with disabilities that impact their ability to participate in birding and/or in chapter activities. Fourteen percent also reported experiencing barriers to outdoor activities due to public spaces that are inaccessible, unwelcoming, or dangerous. The largest portion of those (40%) indicated that public spaces were unsafe or unwelcoming to people of their appearance. Physical barriers and lack of resources (such as transportation) were also listed as barriers.
Respondents indicated ways that the BHAS chapter can help mitigate some of these barriers, including providing information about the physical accessibility of birding hotspots and trails, as well as information about facilities, such as restrooms. One respondent noted that BHAS programs do help address barriers through information and group outings that improve safety and inclusion; however, these activities have unfortunately been curtailed due to COVID-19. Virtual programs, which have increased during COVID-19, were also mentioned as a benefit for people who are unable to travel for various reasons.
The survey provided options for increasing EDI through chapter efforts, and respondents were asked to prioritize choices and contribute their own. Among the options provided, the top priorities identified were:
- Provide Information on accessibility to local birding sites (51% of respondents endorsed).
- Train bilingual people, tribal members, and others to lead classes and workshops on birding (42%).
- Provide free or reduced-cost memberships and classes (29%).
- Prioritize projects that increase physical access to birding sites (29%).
- Prioritize policy responses to environmental injustice (29%).
Survey respondents also added their own suggestions and comments. Partnering with diverse organizations, schools, and colleges were among the suggestions, as well as outreach to Joint Base Lewis McChord.
This is also a good opportunity to make sure that members and others are aware of the resources and activities that do exist. Activities are regularly posted on the chapter Facebook page, including information to register or RSVP, if necessary, so please follow us to keep up on the latest. The chapter also sponsored a recent field trip to the Billy Frank Jr Nisqually Wildlife Refuge with a focus on providing birding opportunities for people with disabilities. And the DIY field trip descriptions that became a regular staple during the first year of COVID-19 do make note of trail accessibility and amenities such as bathrooms. These DIY field trip descriptions provide valuable information on a number of local spots across Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties, for novice and experienced birders alike.
One of the clearest results from the survey is that members value chapter field trips and outings as a safe and educational way to enjoy birding spots. We are all anxious to get back to “normal” and resume activities that can be conducted safely, even as COVID-19 transmission continues to be a concern.
