It’s well-documented that women and people of color are underrepresented in the leadership of large environmental groups. A number of environmental NGOs and foundations are taking steps to address the problem by pledging to submit their diversity data through Green 2.0. In light of this project, we reached out to Rachel’s Network Liaisons, women CEOs of major environmental nonprofits, to ask them about their own organizations’ diversity initiatives.
“No matter how you cut it, a rainforest left standing is worth more.” That’s the motto of the ecolodge Lapa Rios, a 1,000-acre preserve and resort that’s become a model for ecotourism in Costa Rica. Co-founder Karen Lewis shares her vision for the lodge, and her plans to keep it thriving into the future.
Marissa Brown, Executive Director for the Democracy Initiative, joined members of Rachel’s Network to talk about her work to combat money’s influence on government. We asked Marissa to elaborate on the movement’s recent victories and how the environmental community and funders can get involved.
People’s thirst for alternatives to our current economic system has propelled Rachel’s Network & Ashoka Fellow Janelle Orsi into the spotlight. Through her nonprofit, the Sustainable Economies Law Center, Janelle’s developing legal infrastructure that supports this new economy. Here’s what she’s been up to over the last year.
It’s no great surprise that funders have taken up the fossil fuel divestment cause. For many, unloading these stocks and investing in positive social and environmental projects goes hand-in-hand with good grantmaking. As environmental funders, a number of Rachel’s Network members have made a commitment to divest from fossil fuels, both personally and through the foundations they direct. As we celebrate Global Divestment Day, they offer tips for those ready to move their money.
