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Friends of Trees recognizes that not everyone has equal access to the benefit of trees.
As a community driven organization we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and support, and we strive to build places that are safer and healthy for all. We accomplish this through authentic community conversation; unique partnerships; relevant programming; and attracting and retaining diverse staff and supporters.
Friends of Trees’ Equity and Diversity Inclusion Committee is a standing committee comprised of board and staff who recommend readings and workshops, organize trainings, and review our programs and materials through an equity lens. We use deliberate outreach and communication strategies toward engaging a diverse range of volunteers and tree-recipients.
Our community tree planting events have varying levels of accessibility. Learn more about our accessible events here.
Friends of Trees will always strive to be a welcoming and safe place for everyone, regardless of age, ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views or economic status. Without our volunteers, we are nothing. But together we do amazing things.
This statement is included at the beginning of all Friends of Trees public planting events
Community Partnerships
Equity is woven into the fabric of Friends of Trees’ programs, which rely on a number of community partnerships in order to share trees + community with as many communities and people as possible. Many of these partnerships involve financially investing in the community: Since 2010 Friends of Trees has invested more than $1 million in our partnerships, through contracts and other shared funding arrangements.
A sample of current community partnerships:
- We contract with Verde and Wisdom of the Elders for help with planting site preparation, tree planting, and maintenance.
- Utilizing the services of Lara Media Services for focus groups and video.
- Chemawa Indian School students participating in every Salem-area planting event.
- Youth interns from Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and The Blueprint Foundation’s Grounding Waters Program receive stipends for job-training—including leadership opportunities—with Friends of Trees.
- Growing east Portland’s canopy with APANO.