Dear Friend of the Forest, I have been involved with Bark for over a decade, drawn to Bark’s focus on spending time in the forest teaching people about ecology and management, and our no compromise approach to stopping ecologically destructive logging. Right now our organization is growing in many ways. We are hiring for three positions and planning to expand our staff capacity even more. We are also tackling bigger issues than ever and striving for intersectionality in our work. I am excited to include you and thousands of others who share my love for Mt. Hood in this moment. As a Bark supporter, you probably share my belief that intact forests are essential to our survival on Earth. Forests around the world generate clean drinking water and air, provide shelter and sustenance, and insulate communities from flooding and drought. Forests like those on Mt. Hood also provide opportunities for education, recreation, and rejuvenation for millions of people. These types experiences are often the point of entry to the conservation movement, but accessing these benefits is not as equitable as one might assume. Unpacking this reality has become increasingly important to Bark over the past few years. I now understand that the environmental conservation movement grew out of, and is still mired in, the same racist elitism that the United States was founded on, and my awareness of how this operates today continues to grow. Some of Bark’s members have wondered why a grassroots environmental conservation organization needs to take action regarding white supremacy, colonization, and anti-oppression. The American environmental conservation movement has been dominated by advocates for white, cisgender, able-bodied people to have access to land and wild spaces; and continues to maintain exclusionary policies. For an excellent analysis of this problem, please read, The Green Movement Is Talking About Racism? It's About Time. While our movement has often decried the theft of public land from corporate profiteers, we have not spoken out about the brutal, and continued, displacement and theft of that same land from Indigenous people. Nor have we recognized that public lands are not accessible or safe for everyone, or taken action to make them so. Bark’s Board, staff, and volunteers are renewing our commitment to root out oppression in all it forms throughout our organization and our work, and we are asking for your support. We're hiring! Can you help us find three new people to fill a few important positions on staff? We're looking for candidates who are ready and excited to be active participants in dismantling racism and injustice in our work and in the larger conservation movement. We are searching for people who understand the principles of environmental justice and ecological resilience. If you have ever wanted to feel the support of thousands of people who believe in you to protect the forest, we encourage you to apply! APPLY TODAY! Or share this email! Applications are due October 5th. Bark is striving for anti-oppression and equity in every level of our work in order to create a just and sustainable future. The environmental conservation movement carries a legacy of injustice, which we will recognize and engage. This is why Bark is seeking people who are also committed to dismantling racism, taking a proactive stance on equity, diversity and inclusion, and calling on our supporters to step up as well. Thank you for all the many ways you support our work, | 
