artwork depicting four human shaped figures holding hands configured to form a "plus sign" with the letters "I" "D" "E" "A" across the center. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility + (IDEA+) Committee

For OBFS to fulfill our mission and serve our members effectively, the organization and its members must work to prevent bias, discrimination, and dismantle systemic racism and its legacy effects. The inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, plus (justice, belonging) (IDEA+) committee seeks to forge new collaborations, establish new programs, provide tools, and dedicate resources to help remove barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Current committee efforts include the quarterly IDEA+ spotlight in the OBFS newsletter and the annual Advancing Equity Award.

The 2026 award nominations will open December 1, 2025 and close January 31, 2026. Learn more by visiting our Advancing Equity Award page

 

The direction of the IDEA+ Committee is based on the OBFS Strategic Plan that prioritizes:

  • Viewing all OBFS policies and actions through the lens of promoting and ensuring DEI
  • Improving and expanding relationships with diverse user groups
  • Developing a comprehensive financial plan to support DEI efforts

For more information on the IDEA+ committee, to join the committee, or to share resources with the committee, contact the IDEA+ committee at ideaplus@obfs.org.

group meeting at the Mpala Research Center, Kenya
Mpala Research Center, Kenya. Visiting directors from other field stations listening to Mary Gathoni Kahura (Dr. Wilfred Odadi's student) in the McCormack Lab. Photo by Philippe S. Cohen