News
Building an Inclusive Environmental Movement
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.
Leaving a Legacy of Ecotourism in Costa Rica
“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.
Expert Q&A with Marissa Brown on Money in Politics
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.
Fellow Janelle Orsi Helps Sharing Economy Take Flight
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.
Funders Go Fossil Free
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.
Standing with Elephants by Diane Brinkmann
In her travels across Africa over the last decade, Diane Brinkmann has come to deeply appreciate and love elephants. Here she shares her experiences at an elephant camp in the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya with Elephant Watch, and the dire need to protect these magnificent creatures from illegal wildlife trafficking.
Advisor Debbie Walsh Receives Leadership Honor
Rachel’s Network Advisor Debbie Walsh is among the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century recognized by Women’s eNews. The publication cites Walsh for her commitment to “changing the gender profile of those running for office and pushing for more women in every level of government.”
Expert Q&A with Advocates Heather Taylor-Miesle & Debbie Walsh
Heather Taylor-Miesle, director of the NRDC Action Fund, and Rachel’s Network Advisor Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, joined members of Rachel’s Network after the midterm elections to discuss the role environmental issues played this campaign cycle and how women candidates are faring. Here they look to the future and talk about how their work is bringing positive change to the environment and women’s leadership.
Simplifying the Holidays One Gift at a Time
The holidays are meant to be a time of peace, reflection and celebration, not an exhausting, frenzied rush to buy just the “right gift” for the family member who really doesn’t need another “thing.” If you’re looking to wrap your holidays in more meaning and less stuff, The Center for the New American Dream has answers. Board Director Jan Montgomery explains.
Frances Beinecke on the World We Create
Former NRDC President Frances Beinecke believes this is our moment on climate change. Right now farmers, college students, union members, environmental justice groups, business executives and countless others are pushing for climate solutions. Many are inspired to act by visionary women leaders, including May Boeve, Peggy Shepherd, Elizabeth Yeampierre, Margie Alt, Ricky Perera, and so many others. They are “unbowed,” as Wangari Maathai would say, and they are calling for a more sustainable future.