Trash Free Maryland Diversity Commitment

As we continue to advocate for public policies and initiatives to reduce trash pollution in the state of Maryland we recognize that these issues disproportionately affect marginalized populations. We know that our work will not be successful until we include these populations in every facet of our work.

We commit to amplify these underserved voices and strive for Environmental Justice in the following ways:

• Broaden programming to include meaningful participation of marginalized populations/communities within 3 years from Board approval.

• Increase diversity of the Board by 30% within three years.

• Review each program/funding/marketing decision for alignment with our values of inclusion, equity and diversity.

• As our staffing increases, increase diversity of staff.

• We commit to including diverse voices in policy decisions to strengthen policy positions. We recognize without this perspective, policy is not inclusive and effective.

We know that these are just simple steps and only the beginning. We have already taken steps to make these changes and go beyond these objectives. Although we have set a concise timeline of the objectives above, we (the Board and Staff) will continue to look for ways to exemplify a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Approved by the Trash Free Maryland Board of Directors on May 12, 2021