UN Sustainable Development Goals

Darkened boxes are the UN Sustainable Development Goals impacted by the OAD Credit: NA-ROAD

The  OAD‘s  vision  is  “Astronomy  for  a  better world” with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development  Goals  as  broad  objectives  for  global development. The NA-ROAD values these Development Goals, and we will use them to guide NA-ROAD programs and activities. The Goals are outlined here (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

NA-ROAD Values

The NA-ROAD will work to ensure that our values are reflected in the work we engage in, and the culture we create. Through a review of each proposed activity, the Office will ask a key question, “How are our values reflected in the proposed activity?” Further, throughout planning and implementation, projects will be assessed for alignment to the NA-ROAD values. It is important to note that not all individual projects will reflect all values all the time, but rather we will ensure our collective portfolio of NA-ROAD activities has strong alignment with our stated values.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In addition, the NA-ROAD values diversity, equity and inclusion. For the purposes of this strategic planning, we adopt the following definitions from Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension (https://dei.extension.org/):

• Diversity is the presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective.  Populations that have been-and remain- underrepresented among practitioners in the field and marginalized in the broader society.
• Equity is promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems.  Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
• Inclusion is an outcome to ensure those that are diverse actually feel and/or are welcomed.  Inclusion outcomes are met when you, your institution, and your program are truly inviting to all.  To the degree to which diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes and development opportunities within an organization or group. 

Indigenous Culture

The NA-ROAD recognizes the history of the land and seas that make up North America, and understands that all territories served by this office are Indigenous in their origins. We value, and through our activities, will work to honor the historic and current Indigenous peoples, cultures, and the Indigenous land/sea across North America and the globe.

Accessibility

The NA-ROAD understands the importance of being inclusive. We understand that individuals and various groups of people have different needs and we will strive to make the necessary accommodations for their participation. Addressing accessibility for these individuals and groups, whether it be due to physical, economic, or language barriers, will not only increase the diversity of those who engage in our activities, but will also improve the quality and impact of the work we do. 

Sustainability

Pollution and climate change are two of the biggest challenges facing humanity today with far-reaching consequences. Further, the negative impact from pollution and climate change are not felt equally across all populations, with the poorest among us often impacted the most. Across NA-ROAD initiatives we value environmentally sustainable practices and seek to incorporate them into projects supported by the NA-ROAD. In addition, economic sustainability is critical. Economic sustainability, as accepted by the NA-ROAD, refers to practices that support long-term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental, and cultural aspects of the community. NA-ROAD will focus on developing projects that lead to long-term impact while incorporating both environmental and economic sustainability.