Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the Ocean Plastics Recovery Project (OPR), we are dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We acknowledge the 22 distinct Alaska Native cultures and the 229 independent Alaska Native tribal governments whose lands and waters we operate on, recognizing their enduring connection to the land, waterways, and marine ecosystems. OPR values the experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds that our team members and partners bring, as they are integral to the strength of our organization. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful atmosphere that promotes diversity, civility, inclusion, and appreciation for each unique member of our team. OPR is committed to continuous learning and improvement in our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, and we actively engage in partnerships and collaborations with Indigenous communities and organizations to advance these values.

Diversity is a core value at OPR, encompassing differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, ability, and more. We recognize that diversity maximizes our potential for creativity, innovation, excellence, and performance. At OPR, we actively seek out and value diverse voices, ensuring that our team reflects the varied communities we serve. We understand the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that individuals may experience multiple forms of discrimination or privilege based on their various identities. OPR is committed to equity, ensuring that all individuals have fair and equal access to opportunities and resources. We encourage all team members, partners, and stakeholders to join us in actively supporting and promoting diversity within OPR and the broader community.

Equity is a fundamental principle at OPR, guiding our efforts to promote fairness and justice in all our projects. We are committed to identifying and addressing barriers that may hinder equal opportunities for participation within our organization and strive to build a community where we learn from each other and honor each other's differences in background, experience, skills, interests, and values. OPR is dedicated to providing resources and support to ensure that everyone has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere that encourages open, honest, and respectful exchanges. OPR recognizes the importance of systemic change in achieving equity and is dedicated to measuring our progress and holding ourselves accountable. We actively seek collaborations and partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to equity and justice. We understand that creating a truly equitable environment is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement in our equity practices.

Inclusion is a core value at OPR, driving our efforts to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their perspectives. We recognize the importance of building meaningful relationships based on trust and mutual respect. At OPR, we take action to create spaces that are welcoming and supportive, where differences are celebrated, and conversation is encouraged. We are committed to listening to and amplifying the voices of those who have been underrepresented. OPR actively seeks feedback from team members and stakeholders to continuously improve our inclusivity practices. We are dedicated to providing accessibility and accommodation for individuals with diverse needs wherever possible, with the goal of allowing everyone to participate in our projects and initiatives.

Through our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the honoring of indigenous cultures in Alaska and around the world, Ocean Plastics Recovery Project (OPR) aims to advance our mission of ocean plastics recovery in a manner that respects and uplifts diverse peoples and communities. We recognize that this work is ongoing, and OPR will continuously learn, grow, and evolve as an organization. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against ocean plastic pollution and create a more inclusive world for the future.