Friends of the Mississippi River believes that the Mississippi River connects us all, and that social and environmental issues are woven together. As we work toward restoring habitat and the river's waters, we will also work toward a riverway that is safe, healing and accessible for everyone.

We understand that environmental problems disproportionately burden communities of color, Indigenous peoples and low-income communities. We further acknowledge that mainstream environmental and conservation organizations have largely failed to understand and address the systemic underpinnings that are common to both environmental problems and injustice. We are committed to using our resources and influence to redress structural inequality where it intersects with the health and vitality of the Mississippi River.

We believe that just as greater ecological diversity makes our ecosystems stronger and more resilient, so too will greater diversity strengthen our organization and our community. We actively work to support, engage and include people with different racial, cultural, economic and religious backgrounds as well as those with varying physical abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations. We are committed to the ongoing work of becoming culturally competent, welcoming and inclusive of all people both within our organization as well as in the range of issues and challenges that we engage in.

To do that work well requires that we turn to new strategies. We are broadening beyond our traditional allies and constituencies and entering new relationships with humility, prepared to listen, learn, follow the lead of our partners and adapt our methods and practices.

We are deeply committed to the practice of advancing equity in pursuit of healthy communities and a healthy river.

Learn more about our equity work.