PEPtBO is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, within our organization and beyond. We believe that birding is for everyone - people of all ages, identities, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.

We recognize that Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), people who are LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities and other health concerns face myriad challenges in the birding community and outdoor spaces. We have a responsibility to listen to and learn from these experiences and work to make birding and the natural world safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.

As an organization, PEPtBO has taken steps to address the barriers that people from marginalized and equity-seeking communities face in accessing birding and outdoor spaces (including citizen science). We recognize that we need to do more and commit to the following:

• We will apply for funding for an Indigenous Cultural Awareness training for our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives on birds and bird conservation.

• We will work to diversify our Board of Directors.

• We will highlight and amplify Black Birders Week, Birdability Week, and other events that address barriers faced by people and communities that have been and continue to be excluded from birding and outdoor spaces.

• We will make a concerted effort to train and mentor young birders and ornithologists of diverse backgrounds.

• We have convened an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility committee of members of our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers to guide our efforts starting with PEPtBO’s journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.