ICG is relaunching our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to provide guidance, support, and accountability to assist ICG in living our values of inclusion and anti-racism. Chaired by Board Member Kartik Sribarra, supported by Communications Coordinator, Monique Caraballo and Executive Director Erin Marteal, and backed by the entire staff and board, we are dedicated to authentic work that dismantles racist power structures and other barriers that prevent some groups from feeling or being safe and welcome at Ithaca Children’s Garden, and in the great outdoors.

You may be able to help. We currently seek members with underrepresented identities and perspectives. If you identify as one or more of the following -or are able to connect us with someone who does- we are particularly interested in perspectives of individuals who identify as:

• Refugee
• Black, brown, Indigenous, person of color
• LGBTQIA+
• Person with a disability or disabilities
• Self or family member impacted by incarceration
• Self or family member impacted by homelessness
• Self or family member impacted by food insecurity
• Self or family member impacted by transportation barriers

Because our primary audiences are children and their caregivers, committee members should have a close association with and knowledge of the needs of children and/or families, whether through work, parenting or personal experience, or community connections.

What we ask:

A 2-hour per month commitment for a minimum of a 1-year term.

Internet connectivity to participate in remote meetings, and a willingness to meet in person when in-person meetings resume.

Responsiveness for tasks like scheduling upcoming meetings and giving feedback on agendas through one or more of the following methods of communications: email, text, Slack, or WhatsApp

Some familiarity with and interest in ICG’s mission, vision, and values, the Garden, and programs.

What we provide:

A forum for engaging in authentic work that will make a difference for our community’s most marginalized families and children

Respect for you and your time: we will set agendas ahead and establish a respectful space for honest and constructive idea sharing that leads to action and implementation.

Reasonable accommodations to enable participation of interested individuals.

A meeting schedule that responds to committee members availability.

A stipend to assist in covering costs related to participation (e.g. childcare, transportation, food, etc.) when such costs would present a barrier to participation.

Thank you for considering this opportunity.

ICG cannot be a safe place for ALL to play, learn, and grow without diverse perspectives at the table. If you know someone who may be interested and qualified for this volunteer position, please pass this along. Please email: monique@ithacachildrensgarden.org to express your interest or to learn more.