We see research as both a privilege and a responsibility (with credit to Ashlee Cunsolo for this phrasing). Research can contribute to or dismantle systems of power, with important implications for equity and justice. We are committed to confronting these implications in all of our work, from daily interactions to large-scale research planning. We work to develop and express four complementary values: humility, reciprocity, reflective-ness, and creativity.  

We, as members of the Ecocultural Values Workshop, commit to manifesting these values in the following specific actions:

• Foreground concerns of justice and equity in research design and dissemination —considering, for example, who is involved in design, how we determine research topics, who is involved in the research itself, and how and where results are shared.
• In every project, work to provide reciprocal benefits to research partners and participants. Related to this crucial aspect of research practice, recognize and collectively grapple with various tensions, including that there is a multidimensional spectrum of ways to be reciprocal (e.g., co-design research to address partner interests; produce research products that are relevant to partners), and that there may be mismatches between products that interest partners and those that interest the scholarly community (e.g., partners may be interested in results parsed by specific location; scholars may be interested in theory).
• Reflectively consider the diversity of the work upon which we draw. Ensure that we read from sources that reflect diversity in many dimensions, and that we cite all sources (both academic and non-academic) that inspire and inform our work.
• Allow the discomfort that can arise from holistically addressing equity issues, but find a balance by offering a welcoming space for discussion and vulnerability. Allow this discomfort in our conversations, decisions, reflections, research methods, writing, presenting, and beyond.
• Practice reflexivity throughout the research process. Engage in regular check-ins about how our identities matter for each project. Include exposition of our positionalities in manuscripts and other research outputs.
• Understand the limited impact our work may have, and consider how we can best situate it within the buzzing context of other academic and non-academic work.
• Practice “deep listening” as described by Natalie Koch—listen with a truly open mind, which will allow us to see when our preconceived notions may be inaccurate. This may open doors to unforeseen approaches, angles, and opportunities.
• Recognize the interplay of inclusiveness and imaginativeness. Being inclusive often means breaking out of established patterns, and creativity can aid in this pattern-breaking. Being creative means expanding the range of options for approaches, methods, etc. – and this expansion can result in more inclusive work.
• Champion equity and justice in research and professional service outside of our research group. This might include, for instance, supporting others at the university who are making commitments related to equity and justice; raising equity-related issues when conducting peer review; starting and joining equity-focused working groups in different fora (e.g., university committees; professional organizations)
• Recognize that attending to equity and justice takes time and resources. This has many implications, including that we often choose to devote less time to traditionally-valued aspects of research (e.g., peer-reviewed publications), and that we often choose to devote more time to finding resources that support this work.
• Hold ourselves accountable to these commitments by dedicating time at each meeting to discuss the equity dimensions of the day’s topic.
• Treat this commitment as a living document. Enact this in two ways: at least once per semester, (1) hold a joint reflection session, wherein we each reflect on our adherence to the commitment and share areas of strength and needs for growth, and (2) revisit this document and revise as appropriate.