In an attempt to become a more diverse organization, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced the creation of two paid, permanent year-long diversity fellowships.
The first fellowship will start in September, and the second fellowship will begin later in the year.
The fellows will come from diverse backgrounds, and EDF will recruit candidates who are recent college graduates, including those with advanced degrees.
The fellows will have a demonstrated interest and training in environmental sciences.
“As an organization, we have recognized that we must do much more to provide opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds,” said David Yarnold, executive director of EDF.
“This is not just a matter of fairness,” he said, “although that was an important factor in our thinking. It’s also a matter of making our programs stronger so we can reach our strategic goals. A diverse staff and workplace will help us reach new constituencies and bring valuable new perspectives to our work.”
The new fellows will work on discrete projects, and during their year at EDF, staff will help them develop skills they will find useful in their careers. These skills involve writing, learning about the media, and public presentation.
EDF is a leading national nonprofit organization that represents more than 500,000 members.
Since 1967, the Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. ♦
For more information about the Environmental Defense Fund, visit www.edf.org.