Inclusion and accessibility at Waterbird Society annual meetings

19 August 2026
Written by the Waterbird DEI Committee

The Waterbird Society celebrates the diversity of its members and works hard to cultivate a pluralistic and welcoming community through equitable and inclusive values and practices. It is Society policy to “ensure that the Waterbird Society is inclusive of all people regardless of their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, economic status, age, national origin, religion, (dis)ability status, language, political perspectives, education, etc. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee [DEI; mission statement]).”

Annual meetings of the Waterbird Society are held throughout North America and internationally, with the goal of maximizing participation across a range of geographies and offering support to members and their affiliates that may have limited ability to travel. The Waterbird Society understands that some of our meetings may occur in jurisdictions that have taken action to curtail the rights of specific groups, such as transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals; immigrants; Black, Indigenous, or people of color; and other marginalized groups. While we make an effort to avoid meeting in locations where our members’ safety is directly at risk, in cases where the local political climate impacts the ability of our members to feel safe and welcome at our meetings, we pledge to take the following actions to ensure that our meetings are as safe a space as possible:

  • First, the Waterbird Society ensures that any acts of harassment, aggression, or intimidation at our meetings will be addressed with appropriate action, both internally through our Code of Conduct and externally through relevant legal channels.
  • Second, alongside scientific programming and waterbird-centered activities, the DEI committee frequently develops workshops, posters, symposia, and social events focused on maximizing participation in waterbird research and management and creating space for affinity groups. The DEI committee typically works with the local committee to identify key topics of interest or concern and help attendees get to know the local culture and better understand the issues facing waterbird professionals at the meeting location.
  • Finally, ahead of each of our meetings, the DEI Committee makes an effort to compile information on accessibility at the meeting venue as well as contact information for local resources and support groups that can help members prepare for their visit, identify safe lodging options, and connect them with necessary assistance during the conference.

With any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns please reach out to the DEI committee co-chairs (Aliya Caldwell, Marisa Takada Martinez, and Juliet Lamb) at any time during the year. We are always happy for input on how we can welcome, foster, and celebrate the human diversity that makes our Waterbird Society community so powerful.