Approved by the MCC members September 22, 2022 

Reviewed and renewed by the MCC Steering Committee on Sept. 15, 2023

The vision of the MCC is a carbon neutral, climate resilient, interconnected Midwest region.  

WHAT THIS MEANS:  It’s not enough to be carbon neutral or climate resilient if we are not: 

  • Recognizing, valuing, and incorporating the diverse lived experiences across our region,  
  • Listening to and learning from the diverse types and forms of knowledge that communities offer to understanding and responding to climate change, including Traditional Ecological Knowledge, 
  • Following the lead of front-line communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change, including indigenous communities, Black and Brown communities, and other communities that have been marginalized, and 
  • Building relationships across disciplines; sectors; and rural, urban, and suburban geographies. 

We also recognize that designing and implementing equitable, effective, and long-lasting solutions requires that these diverse communities across our region be connected to one another, sharing knowledge and resources to learn from and support one another.  

As a collaborative we are committed to: 

  • A diverse and inclusive membership that represents the various communities, disciplines, and industries in the Midwest 
  • Working towards equitable solutions to climate change – from mitigation to adaptation, by centering communities that: 
    • have been subjected to environmental racism or historically disadvantaged by systemic disinvestment, discrimination, and oppression based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or national origin, or 
    • are at greatest risk from the effects of climate change due to the lack of access to economic resources.  

      And by asking the following questions at all stages of a project, fundraising proposal, or event: 
    • What groups experience disparities related to this project, event, or program? 
    • Does this project, program, or event help overcome or worsen existing disparities? How? What unintended consequences does this project, program, or event produce for affected groups? 
    • Are the necessary voices and leaders at the table to answer these questions? If not, how do we include those in deliberation and decision-making and what do we need to do to understand and mitigate the impacts before moving forward? 
    • What changes need to be made to address the inequities in this project, program, or event? 
  • Examining and addressing disparities in accessibility to information, opportunities, and funding from the MCC by applying the questions above to internal policies and decisions, including decisions regarding personnel, fundraising, procurement, and event planning.  

Accountability Measures: 

It is up to each MCC member and working group member to apply this commitment to their work with MCC and to hold one another accountable for meeting this commitment. 

Concerns about MCC’s actions as they relate to these commitments should be brought to the attention of the Director or any member of the steering committee. 

In every meeting agenda we will include these questions for consideration in our work: 

  • Who benefits?  
  • Who is burdened?  
  • Who does not have a voice at the table? How can we incorporate those voices? 
  • How can we mitigate unintended consequences? 

The Steering Committee will revisit this document every year.