Tracking Clubs

Equitable Access to Nature

Access Statement

Northeast Wildlife Trackers believes access to wildlife tracking and the natural world are core to the work of our organization and the birthright of all people.

Access Fund

One of the steps Northeast Wildlife Trackers has taken toward increasing access is the implementation of an Access Fund. A significant aspect of systemic oppression is the intentional disruption of wealth building among marginalized communities, which creates an ever-widening financial disparity. It is our hope that the Access Fund can help dissolve some of the financial barriers to wildlife tracking, while also acknowledging that wealth redistribution is only one of many steps toward realizing increasingly just and accessible spaces.
 
Currently, our Access Fund can be used for the registration costs of our annual conference. 

Sliding Scale
Self-Assessment

Our vision is to make wildlife tracking and nature engagement accessible to all. We understand that financial and social barriers can prevent people from participating in  experiences like our conference. Our Access Funds aim to address these barriers by offering sliding scale discounts, allowing you to select a pricing option that best suits your unique social and economic situation.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that access to nature and wildlife tracking is everyone’s birthright. We aim to create welcoming spaces that reflect our commitment to equity and inclusivity, particularly for historically and currently marginalized communities.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the following questions to help you assess your financial and social situation. Our goal is to ensure that our conference is accessible to everyone who wishes to attend, regardless of their economic background. By thoughtfully considering these questions, you can better determine which discount option aligns with your needs and ensure that we can continue to provide opportunities for a diverse range of participants. Your honest self-assessment supports our commitment to inclusivity and helps us create a more equitable space for all.

Social and Marginalized Identities

  • Are you part of a marginalized community (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ2IA+, disabled) that faces systemic barriers and discrimination?
  • Do you encounter social challenges that affect your financial situation or access to resources?

Economic Stability and Basic Needs

  • Do you frequently experience difficulty meeting essential needs such as food, housing, and healthcare? This might indicate that a higher level of discount could be necessary for you.
  • Are you living paycheck to paycheck, or do you find it challenging to save money due to financial constraints?

Employment
and Income

  • Are you working more than 40 hours a week to make ends meet, leaving little time or energy for other activities?
  • Is your current job or income insufficient to cover basic expenses or provide financial stability?

Debt and Financial Pressure

  • Do you have significant debt that impacts your ability to cover essential needs?
  • Does the thought of additional expenses, such as conference fees, cause you stress or hardship?

Caregiving and Financial Burden

  • Are you a caregiver whose financial resources are primarily dedicated to supporting others, limiting your ability to cover additional expenses?

Health and Disability

  • Does an illness, mental health condition, or physical disability affect your ability to work or earn money?

Access to Resources and Privilege

  • Do you own property, have a retirement account, or access to substantial savings?
  • Can you afford discretionary spending, such as vacations or new items, without financial concern?
  • Do you choose to work part-time or not at all due to financial security or other resources?

*You may not qualify for access funds if these apply

Understanding the Sliding Scale

Our sliding scale model is designed to accommodate a range of economic situations. It reflects the reality that financial resources are not the only factor in determining access and inclusion. The scale provides several pricing options to ensure that more people can participate in the conference, regardless of their financial status.

25% Discount

Suitable for those who experience moderate financial constraints but can still contribute a portion of the registration fee. This may include individuals who manage basic needs but encounter occasional financial challenges.

Discount code: Access25

50% Discount

Appropriate for those facing significant financial difficulties and needing substantial support to afford the registration fee. This could be for those who stress about meeting basic needs or manage considerable debt.

Discount code: Access50

75% Discount

For those experiencing considerable hardship and struggling to meet basic needs consistently. This discount addresses serious economic challenges that impact your ability to pay for the conference.

Discount code: Access75

100% Discount

Reserved for individuals facing extreme financial hardship where paying any amount would cause serious difficulty. This level is for those unable to cover even basic needs without significant strain.

Discount code: Access100

Support Future Access

Your payment, even at a discounted rate, contributes to our ongoing efforts to enhance access and inclusivity. By participating, you help us create more opportunities for others who face financial barriers, and support our vision of equitable access to nature.

Apply your Discount and Register

  1. Select Your Discount Code: Reflect on your financial situation and choose the discount code that best fits your needs (Access25, Access50, Access75, or Access100).
  2. Enter the Code at Checkout: During registration, apply the chosen discount code. The discount will be reflected in the total amount you pay.
  3. Complete Your Registration: Proceed with the registration process. Your discounted fee supports our mission to make wildlife tracking accessible to more people.
Register Now

Learn More About Our Vision and Sliding Scale

For further insights into our commitment to equitable access and the philosophy behind our sliding scale model, we encourage you to read the following resources (we are grateful to all those in our immediate and extended community who are leading the way!):

Thank you for your interest in the Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to foster a more inclusive and equitable community.