Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Within Thrive Hood River 

• Thrive’s dedication to inclusiveness will be evident in our organizational policies and procedures. Thrive will create a culture that values peoples of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds that is based on our values of respect and integrity.   
• We will commit time and resources to recruit board members, staff, supporters, and volunteers that represent the full diversity of our community.  
• We will work to build trust with diverse communities and Tribal nations, expand community partnerships and support organizations that work to address disparities in our community.
• We will consider equity impacts when making decisions.    
• We will create welcoming and inclusive communications and events.  
• We will listen. We will continue to learn and grow to expand our awareness of inequities and diverse experiences within the community we serve.   

Our Work in Action    

• In our land use work, we will advocate for inclusion, equitable representation, honoring treaty rights, and access in local governance.   
• We will encourage practices and processes that welcome people who are, or have historically been excluded from the dominant culture, roles of power, and land use decisions.     
• We will champion programs and policies that conserve the maximum amount of farmland for future generations, particularly for those who have historically not had access to land.   
• We will champion programs and policies that preserve forests and special wild places, and advocate for equitable access to outdoor recreation for all. 
• We commit to advocating for equitable outcomes in local, state, and federal land use planning decisions.   

Affirmations and Acknowledgement

• Thrive Hood River is committed to striving towards a Hood River County in which land use policies and practices benefit everyone in the community, and where farms and forests are protected, wild places and public lands are accessible and welcoming to all, and the livability of our community helps everyone thrive.  
• We acknowledge that land ownership and land use policies and processes, such as redlining and exclusionary clauses, throughout the state have historically promoted and increased inequalities that persist today.    
• Urban and rural land ownership throughout the country has been racially restricted and land use processes have favored those with access to decision-makers. Communities of color, low-income communities, and women, among many others, have been excluded from or under-engaged in land use decision-making. 

We approach this work as learners, and we know we have a long way to go. If you have questions, input, or suggestions on our work towards diversity, equity and inclusion, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us via our contact form.