Think of a time when you walked into a space and felt completely comfortable and welcome. You felt at home and thought "these are my people." What made you feel that way? What about a time you came into a space and got "the ick"? What made you feel awkward or left out? Did you want to go back? Would you recommend that space to a friend?

The key to engaging new audiences, creating welcoming spaces, and bringing new people into environmental spaces lies within each of us. Only you can welcome people into our community and make them feel at ease! And we are all responsible -- this is a true team activity. Join us for a conversation about some of the pitfalls environmental organizations fall into in terms of creating welcoming, inclusive, diverse spaces where people want to join our movement. Learn how to intervene if you see issues and help others welcome new folks. The outdoors is for all! As stewards of the earth, it is our responsibility to welcome others into our spaces and let them learn to love our wild spaces as much as we do.

Speaker

Gretchen Waddell Barwick (she/her), Missouri Chapter Director of the Sierra Club Gretchen works with staff, volunteers, and communities to explore, enjoy, and protect our planet. She has a Master of Social Work degree from The Brown School at Washington University. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and daughter. She is a grassroots organizer, feminist, tree-hugger, mom, and mostly-failed gardener. In her free time she quilts, reads, has dance parties with her kid, and spends time in the water -- if you're in Missouri check out Council Bluff Lake in the Mark Twain National Forest, the Huzzah River, or the Current River for some fun!

Registration

On the second Tuesday of the month, the River Management Society hosts River Management Roundtables, facilitated virtual discussions with professional river and water trails managers. These peer-to-peer conversations provide an open forum to ask questions, share solutions, and build camaraderie. There is no fee or membership requirement to attend, though registration is required. Discussions are recorded and shared with registrants.

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