Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
San Diego County is beautifully diverse in its geography, its people, and its history.
As an organization, we are proud to serve people from all walks of life, whose divergent backgrounds and experiences inform their unique world view. We are committed to focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the programs we deliver, the communities we serve, and the staff we develop. We also are keenly aware that we are relative newcomers to this land we call home, which for centuries was cared for by the indigenous people who inhabited this land before us. Please read our official DEI Commitment Statement and our Land Acknowledgement Statement below.
RCD of Greater San Diego County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment Statement
Approved August 3, 2020
The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County has been taking time to reflect, listen, learn, and educate ourselves about the racial injustices that exist in our society and how we can make a difference moving forward. We are proud that we deliver programs and services to a diverse community that includes people of all races, genders, ages, national origins, disabilities, and ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. However, we wish to do more. We will continually strive to weave the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all our conversations, as well as the educational and community support programs and services we deliver. We will also seek to integrate these principles into our board and staff development. While we acknowledge that we can never fully understand the struggles of all our community members, we are listening, learning, and are committed to doing better moving forward. We encourage our community members and partners to monitor our growth and let us know where we can, and should, do better. We are here to learn and grow.
RCD of Greater San Diego County Land Acknowledgement Statement
Adopted August 3, 2020
The San Diego County region is home to the Kumeyaay, Luiseño, Cahuilla, and Cupeño Native people. We recognize that we are now on the lands of these indigenous people who are still here and always will be. We honor the citizens of these tribal nations today, as well as their ancestors, and have much to learn from them.
Education
Kumeyaay Community College: The Mission of Kumeyaay Community College is to promote a quality education focusing on Kumeyaay Studies for the Community interested in a unique and supportive educational experience.
Cultural Fire Ceremony with Ron Goode-YourForest (yourforestpodcast.com)
Native Ways of Knowing Book List: San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and California Indian Education (CIEFA) have designed this Native Ways of Knowing Book List: Decolonizing and Indigenizing Classrooms and Libraries. These books have been vetted by Native American scholars, CIEFA, and SDCOE staff. These suggested Indigenous authors and illustrators utilize Indigenous storytelling and convey the breadth of Native cultures and sovereignty.
Native Ways of Knowing Micro-Courses: Educators and leaders are invited to learn from Native American educational, cultural, and tribal experts. Digital resources and Native Ways of Knowing micro-courses will liberate teachers and schools to educate students about the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of California Native peoples.
Essential Understandings from the National Museum of the American Indian
A Teacher’s Guide to Historical and Contemporary Kumeyaay Culture
Barona Cultural Center & Museum: As San Diego County’s first museum on an Indian reservation dedicated to the perpetuation and presentation of the local Kumeyaay-Diegueño Native culture, the Barona Museum offers a unique educational journey for visitors of all ages.
Our People. Our History. Our Culture. This 45-minute video tells the story of Sycuan and the Kumeyaay nation through the words of its people.
San Diego's First People - Kumeyaay Native Americans Video
Donate
San Diego American Indian Health Center
Volunteer
Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretative Center – Volunteer docent opportunity
Sea + Soil Collective – Harvest produce for families living on the San Pasqual Native American Reservation and more!
Inter-Tribal Sports – Support youth wellness and sports events
Native American Environmental Protection Coalition – Various project opportunities
