Purpose
A core tenet of US Sailing’s mission is encouraging participation and engagement in the sport of sailing. Central to this goal is inviting sailors of all backgrounds to join, flourish, and grow within the sailing community. The purpose of US Sailing’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is to create, support, and promote access to the sport of sailing and to provide an inviting and inclusive environment in which to thrive. We are committed to achieving greater DEI throughout the sport and fostering an environment that is welcoming to all. As the national governing body of sailing, we strive to be an example, building a map for others to follow.
Sports Inclusion Discussion Series
The Inclusion Playbook will be hosting a d
iscussion series on current and emerging issues in sports diversity, equity, and inclusion open to all our members. The series will focus on building diverse, inclusive, and equitable programs. It will cover key topics such as racial equity, allyship, LGBTQ inclusion, and body diversity. Each session will feature subject matter experts who will discuss relevant obstacles, solutions, and best practices. This series will provide participants with increased knowledge of essential diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues as well as best practices and strategies around DEI in sports.
Sports DEI Session Topics
| Date | Discussion | |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 23rd (4pm ET) | Racial Equity in Sport | Recording
Passcode: IP_DEI_SER1ES |
| June 15th (4 pm ET) | LGBTQ Inclusion in Sport | Recording
Passcode: Pride2023! |
| November 9th (4 pm ET) | All Bodies in Sports | Recording
Passcode: IPsessions2023! |
People
Practices
US Sailing has compiled several resources, including books, webinars, podcasts and identified several organizations that are involved with DEI initiatives, both within the sports world and beyond.
Resources
Gender Identification Interim Policy
Inclusive Writing Document (Coming Soon)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
The purpose of the US Sailing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is to promote and support diversity, equity and inclusion within the sailing community in the United States. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming to all sailors.
The DEI Committee works with the US Sailing Board of Directors and the U.S. sailing community at large to create and support initiatives that promote access and increase participation to the sport of sailing by encouraging local sailing organizations to provide an inclusive sailing environment. If you are interested in being involved with the DEI Committee, or if you have general questions or comments, please contact: DEI@ussailing.org
DEI Internship
The DEI Internship is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working side by side with professionals from all levels and potions at US Sailing. In this role you will work to help make progress towards US Sailing’s DEI initiatives through research, brainstorming, and discussion in both collaborative and self-led projects. You will have the opportunity to work with the internal staff DEI committee to develop and promote a more inclusive culture. There is also an opportunity to connect with the US Sailing Youth Advisory Board to connect on their ongoing DEI projects.
Programs
The Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Taskforce (TIDE)
U.S. Sailing supports TIDE and their efforts in fostering an inclusive sailing community in the collegiate sailing world.
TIDE Resources:
What is DEI?
Diversity is embracing any collective mixture of differences and similarities as we strive to develop more inclusive and high-performing environments. Diversity is invaluable because it generates differing points of view, leads to innovation, fosters an understanding and acceptance of individuals from different backgrounds, and recognizes the contributions that a variety of individuals and groups can make. Diversity encompasses, but is not limited to, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, genetic information, and learning styles.
Equity is the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically under-served and under-represented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups.
Inclusion is about creating and maintaining an environment in which contributions and strengths are recognized, optimized and valued in a way that generates opportunities for adaptability, problem-solving, growth and ultimately increased success. Inclusion is about creating and maintaining an environment in which people are not excluded or marginalized because of their difference and authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision policy making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources.