The time to talk is now, and the time to act is yesterday
The system was designed to silence conversations about race and racism; and agriculture and science are no exception. Throughout our work in science and agriculture, we’ve experienced and witnessed the individual and societal losses from excluding those with different backgrounds, interests and expertise. When we silence those with diverse perspectives, we cannot find the best solutions, strengthen our cultures or utilize the full potential and richness of our communities. Take responsibility by listening, learning, acting and reflecting on how we as individuals and organizations can do better to support our colleagues and communities navigating oppressive systems.
The challenge of dismantling and disrupting these systems remains. Many have asked us, “Where do we begin? What can we do right now? How can I make a difference?” Open Rivers Navigator is a new podcast highlighting those working in agriculture, climate change, science and technology and sharing what drives them to do better. Open Rivers’ work across these disciplines and in collaboration with these experts has continuously revealed the importance of diverse perspectives in finding equitable solutions that work for everyone in agriculture, the environment and beyond. In fact, it is so important that we dedicated a 3-episode series with Dr. LaKisha Odom, from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) to discuss the criticality of this topic, how to truly be an ally and her vision for the future of agriculture.
Listen & learn. In part 1, LaKisha and Shefali discuss how LaKisha found her love for science and the emotional labor of working in a male-dominated, white space.
Observe & act. In part 2, LaKisha and Shefali explain microaggressions and gaslighting, and outline actionable steps you can take to reduce harm on those around you, and be actively anti-racist.
Reflect & grow. Part 3 emphasizes how we all benefit from dismantling systemic oppression and encourages listeners to embrace the discomfort of change to move towards true transformation.
Each episode covers ideas and insights about ways to hold yourself accountable and move towards better in depth and detail; but we’ve outlined some key action items to begin the journey right now.
Listen & learn. So much of this is about hearing others. As LaKisha shares, there is great value in being present, seeing and listening to the experiences of others, and looking inwards on how we uphold these systems.
Identify your unconscious biases. Be honest with yourself. Make the biases conscious.
Be curious. We are all learning all the time. Asking questions, not assuming, allows us to see more and learn more.
Be courageous. It takes courage to face these issues, and courage to acknowledge that you may have had things wrong in the past.
Accept discomfort. This will feel uncomfortable, unknown and uneasy. Sitting with discomfort is part of the process.
Commit to change. Read and participate in the 21-day racial equity habit building challenge. Reflect on how this makes you feel.
Learn about these harmful actions. What are microaggressions? What is gaslighting? By understanding these, we can undertake meaningful actions.
Observe & act. Change happens with actions. While it starts with ourselves, the power of change comes from collective actions.
As an individual …
Observe dynamics in our spaces. Recognize tacit and open elements in a meeting.
Identify and avoid gaslighting. When handed uncomfortable news, rather than jump to dismiss or defend, pause, sit with the discomfort and ask questions. Do not assume and do not deflect to avoid discomfort.
Amplify others. Speak up to reinforce ideas and give people credit for their thoughts.
Stay alert and identify microaggressions. They are not “micro” in impact and adversely impact those around. Do not dismiss what seems small to you and check in with others.
Speak up when you witness harm. Speak with the person exhibiting the behavior, support the person who is receiving the behavior.
Acknowledge personhood. For example, learn people’s names (and how to pronounce them). Just as you want people to pronounce your name well, take time to do that for others.
Avoid assumptions. Don’t assume how people are feeling or what they want. We only know what we know. Ask!
As an organization….
Change hiring processes. Read about our approach to hiring and overcoming implicit biases.
Expand sourcing and procurement. Asses who you do business with, and if they reflect your organization and population.
Diversify panels and input from different voices. Take time to identify and invite other perspectives and viewpoints.
Evaluate organizational “norms”. People cannot (and should not) be expected to meet standards and norms set by and for white, European men from decades ago. Do these “norms” serve you? Are they relevant for where you are headed?
Give people space. Allow individuals to be themselves. Let individuals set their own boundaries; and respect them.
Reflect & grow. These actions merely scratch the surface of the actions we can take. This work is continuous, challenging, complex and necessary. We all can learn from others and continue to grow. We all benefit from lifting up those around us and embracing the discomfort in transformation.
Open Rivers is dedicated to doing better; for our communities, our businesses, our environment; and committed to amplifying and sharing diverse perspectives. Agriculture and climate change do not exist in isolation - they are deeply interconnected with institutionalized systems of oppression. Our podcast outlines these themes across several episodes in Season 1 and Season 2 will only build on and expand how we can collectively move towards better.
We believe that each individual, organization, and society has unlimited potential, and by embarking on this path, we all benefit. We challenge you to hold yourself to a higher standard, and commit to doing better for yourself, your friends, your colleagues and your community.
Keep listening
Open Rivers Navigator touches on diversity, inclusion and accessibility throughout the seasons. Explore our other episodes to learn more about how these issues intersect with science, conservation and agriculture.
Navigating evolutionary anthropology with Dr. Raffaella Commitante
Dr. Raffaella Commitante discusses how to give others a voice, and how real change comes from listening and acknowledging historically silenced communities especially in conservation and biodiversity protection. Listen: Apple, Spotify, online.
Navigating economics and finding your real passion with Dr. Ali Joglekar
Dr. Ali Joglekar outlines the benefits of diversifying the voices around you and how small steps made her work more inclusive, creative and led to more solutions. Listen: Apple, Spotify, online.
For a complete list of Season 1 episodes, visit our podcast webpage.
Season 2 of Open Rivers Navigator is now live, with more episodes discussing these critical topics:
Navigating responsible ranching with Meredith Ellis. Meredith Ellis shares her experience as a woman in ranching and how we can dismantle traditional barriers in agriculture. Listen: Apple, Spotify, online.
Navigating analytical chemistry with Dom Olinares. Dr. Dom Olinares discusses how an inclusive and accepting environment makes him a better scientist. Listen: Apple, Spotify, online.
Navigating sustainable hunting with Howard Vincent. As a leader, Howard Vincent explains the importance of collaborations and helping others find their voice. Listen: Apple, Spotify, online.
Additional resources