While ClearWater reaches thousands of individuals throughout central Pennsylvania each year through local conservation efforts, events, publications and community outreach efforts, there is room to expand our reach and more actively engage with the full diversity of identities, backgrounds, and abilities found throughout the Centre Region.

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ClearWater is not unique in its need to address this concern. Nationally, environmental organizations are lagging in efforts to achieve diversity and inclusion on their boards and in leadership roles at a pace that other organizations and industries are. This lack of representation must be addressed in order to identify, acknowledge, and address climate change, loss of wildlife, and related social and environmental justice challenges - possibly the most urgent issues of our time. This work will only succeed when the voices and choices of those most impacted by these challenges are included, amplified, and acted upon.

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Additionally, ClearWater is committed to lowering barriers to exploring and enjoying the outdoors and becoming leaders in outdoor recreation and environmental organizations, especially for diverse individuals and historically marginalized communities. Diversity of representation and leadership in the environmental and outdoor recreation sector is vital for the health of people, communities, and the environment. With guidance from diverse leaders in our region, ClearWater is actively taking steps to better engage and serve our whole community on every level, including the organization's Centred Outdoors program.