Equity Committee

About the Committee

WSRA has developed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee that will serve as a new and permanent  branch of the organization. We are excited to deploy a dedicated team to work in partnership with members, volunteers, and the Board to critically examine all aspects of WSRA’s programs through an equity lens.

Committee Members

Karissa Jones – Committee Chair
Kris Major
Joel Kohlsedt
Preston Peck
Amanda Godwin
Ryan Jackman

Current Charge:

WSRA is beginning on this DEI journey knowing it will not be easy and it will not be quick, but that it is crucial for the long-term health of our organization and the industries our members represent. Bigger picture – we all, including WSRA, must take an active role in helping dismantle the inequitable and oppressive systems that are part of the fabric of our society.

WSRA’s Board understands that this journey must begin by looking within, and to this end, we have identified a consultant who can help be our strategic guide.

The consultant will help the WSRA and its DEI committee:

• Establish the skills and knowledge within WSRA to serve as a leader and resource for members looking to expand their own EDI culture
• Facilitate Board reflection and hear from stakeholders about current culture and state of DEI at WSRA
• Determine baseline metrics to assist in setting goals and objectives, and metrics to measure progress
• Develop a WSRA Equity Statement and Plan
• Identify and facilitate DEI trainings for the Board and its members
• Apply an DEI lens to WSRA strategic planning, policies, conference, materials, website, and more

Sponsorships Available – Support Our DEI Work!

We need our members’ help to raise $10,000 in order to jump start these efforts in 2022! This funding will support the activities above, which will take place over the course of a year or more and will lay the foundation for ongoing DEI work at WSRA. The Board and its newly formed DEI Committee are excited to jump in and would be very grateful for your support.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Start Consulting is honored to support and work with WSRA’s equity and inclusion work to create an equitable and just future for the industry and membership. Start Consulting has worked with DEI strategies with the City of Portland BPS and the Association of Oregon Recyclers, as well championing this work as AOR members and within the recycling field for decades.