These values lie at the heart of who we are, what we do and how we do it.

Resource

NPCA’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Intentions

Our vision for incorporating these principles into our work.

See more ›

The United States was founded on admirable ideals for a more perfect union but forged with injustice at its core. All Americans have inherited a dual legacy of promised equality and real-world racism and oppression. Our public lands system is part of this history.

NPCA recognizes that the modern environmental movement and public lands system were built on a foundation of institutional racism and made possible by the violent displacement of Indigenous people. We strive to acknowledge past injustices, listen to underrepresented and marginalized voices, and work toward reconciliation. We seek to model a practice of trust, open communication and collaboration that welcomes diverse ideas and challenges the dominant power dynamics that have contributed to generations of injustice.

… in who we are

We foster a welcoming workplace that strives to reflect the diversity of our country, maintain equitable and compassionate practices, and meaningfully include different perspectives at every level of our staff and executive leadership, board and advisory councils, and members and volunteers.

… what we do

We believe in a National Park System that serves as a source of pride and inspiration for all people. National parks unite people from across the political spectrum, remind us of our shared humanity, teach us the history of people from different backgrounds, and offer all of us places to reflect and heal. As our country continues to evolve, we believe national parks will become even more essential as places of learning and refuge.

… and how we do it

We advocate for equitable access to national parks and public lands, and we work to create an expanded park system that represents the full range of stories of our collective American experience. We build authentic, long-term partnerships with communities and cultures that have deep relationships to our parks and use our power to be steadfast allies to a diverse range of stakeholders with ties to our public lands. We seek to be humble yet bold in this endeavor, open and without defensiveness. We encourage feedback and partnership working toward these goals.

We hope this commitment builds bonds with others, inspires growth and success in our work, and results in healthier, fairer parks and communities.

Our Impact

Read more from NPCA

  • Press Release

    Victory: Biden Administration Protects Chaco Canyon Cultural Landscape

    Jun 2023

    "We are grateful for today’s action, which is the latest move by the Biden administration that prioritizes preserving, instead of industrializing, Indigenous lands," -- NPCA CEO Theresa Pierno 

  • Blog Post

    7 for 7: How NPCA Is Improving Your Next Visit to Stonewall

    Jun 2023 | By Shira Michaeli, Timothy Leonard

    Stonewall National Monument in New York City was established seven years ago. NPCA is leading improvements at the site in seven ways — including the addition of a visitor center.

  • Blog Post

    Protecting the Minidoka Viewshed

    May 2023 | By Kristen Brengel

    A proposed large-scale wind farm would mar the land surrounding Minidoka National Historic Site, considered a somber place for reflection by Japanese American survivors and descendants. NPCA and Friends of…