The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. As such, DCR values diversity of nature, culture and communities to ensure a sustainable future for equitable recreational access and a healthy environment for all Virginians.
DCR strives to foster an inclusive and equitable environment both inside and outside of the organization. The agency is intentional in its actions to weave such efforts into the fabric of its mission and culture.
Understanding that programs and services must be accessible to every person in the Commonwealth, DCR must promote targeted outreach efforts, perform program equity reviews, and ensure historical barriers to access DCR programs and lands we manage are removed.
The main engine for change is the agency Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. This committee is the new iteration of the agency's original Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee. Composed of representatives from each DCR division, the DEI Committee is mission-focused on advocating for and implementing initiatives that will ensure equity both internally and externally. Division-level initiatives also take place throughout the agency.
DCR’s philosophy is that diversity, equity and inclusion cannot be achieved simply through the filling of a position, but rather through being intentional with agency actions. To bring this belief to reality, DCR’s DEI efforts must be developed by the workforce to be better understood, implemented and adopted by the workforce.
DIVERSITY is the practice of appreciating and involving individuals who are different from one another and actively seeking to reflect the demographics of communities we serve. In the same way biodiversity is essential to the health of the planet, DCR recognizes that the presence of differences is healthy in the workplace.
EQUITY is the elimination of barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups in Virginia. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within procedures and processes, as well as in the distribution of resources. Equity is based on need, which may differ based on communities. DCR is committed to meeting people where they are to ensure that they have the same access, resources and opportunities as others.
INCLUSION is the act of intentionally creating environments in which any individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people.