Our Values
A.R.E.A.
These shared values guide how we work together, make decisions, support one another, and steward BNRC’s mission across the Berkshires.
ADAPTABILITY
○ We stay curious, ask questions and listen to all voices
○ We make clear plans and we are willing to change our plans as needed
○ We communicate our decisions (and changes) to relevant stakeholders
EXCELLENCE
○ We define what excellence looks like and ask for clarity when we are not clear
○ We advocate for the resources we need to reach excellence
○ We speak up when the standard is unrealistic and needs to be reset / we are flexible (adaptable) when the need to reset is brought to our attention.
RESPECT
○ We recognize others’ value by expressing affirmation, gratitude, soliciting their perspective and including the right people at the right stage of the process
○ We assume good intent - everyone at the table is my ally, not my adversary
○ We commit to being trained in courageous conversations
ACCOUNTABILITY
○ We establish and implement systems to support our goals and excellence
○ We define goals, deadlines, roles and responsibilities,and we check in/follow up.
○ We debrief on outcomes and hold After Action Reviews
Statement of Vision & Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB)
What do BNRC’s mission & values mean when viewed through a lens that centers on equity and inclusion?
BNRC has made a commitment to shift its culture and priorities to ensure that our programs, operations, and internal processes and policies are inclusive and offer dignity, respect, and belonging for all—from staff and board members, to visitors, community members, and donors. The BNRC staff and board are committed to learning, growing, evolving, and strengthening the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) efforts.
Beginning in 2020, we began educating ourselves and exploring these issues as they pertain to every aspect of BNRC and its work. This commitment by BNRC staff and its board members is ongoing.
The Work Ahead & Our Guiding Questions
How do we ensure that BNRC’s culture, programs, and operations are inclusive, and offer dignity, respect, and belonging for all?
In partnership with diverse people and organizations, members of the BNRC staff and board are developing a clear plan with actionable steps for creating a wider range of outdoor experiences, education, and amenities for everyone who lives, works, and visits the Berkshires. Specifically, we’re actively:
- Recruiting diverse staff and board members, with the goal of making BNRC at least as diverse as Berkshire County.
- Advocating for anti-discriminatory and inclusionary efforts within conservation, education, and stewardship programs, while working to dismantle systemic racism.
- Exploring and challenging privileged narratives about who is outside; what they are doing; where, when, why, and how they are doing it; and the very concept of how land is owned.
- Broadening the collection of communities and individuals who influence the why, how, and what of fulfilling BNRC’s mission.
An Ongoing Commitment
BNRC’s DEIAB work has involved the full staff, a staff committee, community members, and the Board of Directors. This work has ranged from grappling with the big concepts and how they relate to land conservation and our organization, to focused education for staff and board, to deeper analysis of our programs and operations.
With the guidance of consultants Polly Williams and Jen “Dusty” Clitheroe at Strength Perspectives, BNRC’s board and staff launched our own internal education and exploration, and began developing a strategy to address all areas of the organization.
Most recently, DEI Outdoors, a firm that deals directly with the outdoor industry to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, supported BNRC in the implementation of an integrated workplan.
BNRC’s DEIAB Team
- Maayan Nuri Héd, Founder of Seeing Rainbows
- Lorena Dus, Director of Client and Community Services at Berkshire Immigrant Center
- Meg Bandarra, Unpaved Trails for All
- Kyle Pullaro-Clark, Assistant Camp Director with Berkshire Nature Camp at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, MassAudubon
- Kim Seward, BNRC board member
- Jenny Hansell, President
- Johnny Robinson, Conservation Associate
- Deanna Smith, High Road Manager
- Taylor Staubach, Communications Manager
- Melanie Winters, Membership Coordinator