This is a guest post by Elita Baldridge.

I am working on organizing an Inclusive Ecology Section within the Ecological Society of America. This section will provide resources and support for all ecologists, regardless of race, sex, physical or mental ability or difference, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture or subculture, national origin,  parental status, politics,  religion, or age.   The Inclusive Ecology section will be a space for ecologists to learn about issues and problems facing ecologists from under-represented groups, share support and solutions  about problems facing ecologists from under-represented groups, work to make ecology a safe and inclusive space for all ecologists, and recognize those who have made significant contributions toward working to make ecology more inclusive to all ecologists.

The first stage in creating a new section is to collect 50 ESA member signatures on petition. If you’d like to support the idea of this section please sign the petition here:

https://docs.google.com/a/weecology.org/forms/d/1z6ALXl1g788mf8hQxUhBmCN_YUQqKMtOOj24kpjUrIQ/viewform?c=0&w=1

Additional information

Mission Statement

To provide resources and support for all ecologists, regardless of race, sex, physical or mental ability or difference, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture or subculture, national origin,  parental status, politics, religion, or age.

Proposed bylaws:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NLj12HJuFLX3zBCeoEy0fgK8rA2CHzuuo2zBQYNeN1s/edit?usp=sharing

Share ideas on the development of proposed ESA Inclusive Ecology section here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IqyquPwOfle-EztvTuwljap00Aa3WblnzFg2iHE7cuQ/edit?usp=sharing