IAWF and AFE Joint Anti-Racist Statement (PDF)
June 6, 2020
The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) and the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) stand together as communities appalled by and opposed to the racism that affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) everywhere. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery in the United States are the most recent in a long list of examples that personify the ongoing and systemic injustices faced by many of our BIPOC colleagues. While we know these names, we will never know those of many others who have died or been injured due to police brutality and systemic racism.
IAWF and AFE steadfastly renew our commitment to actions to improve diversity and inclusivity in our professional associations and support the right of all people to live a life free from discrimination and violence. We recognize that BIPOC and women have been historically underrepresented in our field, especially in leadership positions. We are working actively to elevate all voices and to promote equity and access within our organizations and at our events. When the voices of BIPOC and women are suppressed, our field suffers losses in diverse perspectives that foster innovation and progress.
As members of IAWF and AFE, we pledge to continue working to make positive changes for all in the wildland fire community to help create a world free of prejudice and injustice. We welcome your input and involvement in our activities to achieve this mission. We can change the world by changing our corner of it. Please share your input!
IAWF’s Diversity and Inclusivity Information and Policy
AFE’s Diversity and Inclusivity Information and Committee Charter
