Inclusive Outreach and Engagement

The CA Department of Conservation values inclusive, informed, and active public participation as essential to sustaining California’s natural resources. By continually improving our engagement in land, watershed, carbon, and hazard management, we aim to empower all Californians to help shape a more resilient and thriving future for current and future generations.

One key aspect of our work is focused on external-facing efforts relating to the engagement of Californians through the lens of racial equity. That's why the Department has a Racial Equity Community Engagement Plan (RECEP). RECEP is an action plan developed in coordination with, and complementary to, DOC's internal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Action (DEI-A) Plan led by the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office. The Department demonstrated and strengthened its commitment to meaningful outreach and engagement by establishing the Outreach and Engagement Advisor position in 2018 and later expanding its capacity with the addition of the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator role in 2022.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

Planning and Preparation

Effective meetings result from clear goals, thoughtful design, and organization.

Inclusion and Representation

All voices, ideas, and information, regardless of background, will be considered when designing paths to desired outcomes.

Openness and Learning

We encourage individuals to listen to one another when exploring new ideas and topics.

Engagement and Participation

We aim to promote a culture of transparency, participation, and support.

(Adapted from principles supported or seen from: National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation [NCDD], International Association for Public Participation [IAP2], and the Institute for Local Government [ILG].)

RACIAL EQUITY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN (RECEP)

RESOURCES

Check out the RUBIN Race and Equity Engagement model here.

Explore public engagement best practices further with the following resources.

If you are interested in learning more about public engagement, considering connecting with a local IAP2 Chapter

International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Resource page

For more information

Please contact DOC's Outreach and Engagement Advisor, Sarah Rubin.

Inclusive Outreach and Engagement

Planning and Preparation

Inclusion and Representation

Openness and Learning

Engagement and Participation

The Department finalized its RECEP in Spring 2022. The effort has six goals and 16 objectives.

DOC Racial Equity Community Engagement Plan Goals and Objectives 2025 (PDF)

For more information

Inclusive Outreach and Engagement

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For more information