WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation’s newly established Environmental Justice Advisory Council will help deepen the organization’s work on environmental justice and collaboration with communities on the ground. The Council will serve an advisory role to the Federation’s leadership and environmental justice teams and will identify, address, and make advice and recommendations based on opportunities to further work on environmental and conservation justice.

“As we continue the National Wildlife Federation’s evolution into a 21st century organization deeply committed to racial justice and equity, the wisdom and expertise of the Environmental Justice Advisory Council will be invaluable in furthering the depth and breadth of our environmental justice advocacy and partnership work,” said Collin O’Mara, CEO and president of the National Wildlife Federation. “We look forward to working with and learning from the Council to ensure that the full Federation family shows up authentically and leverages our resources and strengths to advance conservation in equitable and just ways in communities across the country.”

“Over the past twenty years, the National Wildlife Federation has been a leader in building strong connections between communities and on the ground conservation work with policymakers and broader environmental work,” said Dianne Dillon-Ridgley, co-chair of the Council. “The Federation’s mission to bring together all Americans in support of wildlife and our environment and its focus on environmental justice go hand in hand. I look forward to working with the Federation on how to bring their resources, expertise, and the passion of their six million members across the country to work hand in glove with frontline communities for a more sustainable and collaborative future.”

“Core to solving the environmental, and climate and biodiversity crises is engaging with the communities most impacted by these crises, particularly with young people who will be our future environmental leaders and visionaries,” said co-chair Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks. “The Environmental Justice Advisory Council will help the Federation continue to expand opportunities for communities and young people while using the best science and research to inform its environmental justice work.” 

The Environmental Justice Advisory Council is comprised of environmental justice and conservation partners that have historically worked with the National Wildlife Federation to uplift the needs and priorities of communities overburdened by environmental degradation and at-risk from climate change impacts. In the coming months, the Council looks forward to expanding membership to foster a representative body of leaders across a broad range of sectors. 

Learn more about the Council and its members:
•    Dianne Dillon-Ridgley (Co-Chair)  
•    Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks (Co-Chair)  
•    Monica Lewis Patrick  
•    Mark Magaña 
•    Harold Mitchell
•    Reverend Leo Woodberry