Badger Region creates statement, action plan for diversity and inclusion

Thursday, July 2nd, 2020

Every member and family of the Badger Region should feel welcome, regardless of race, gender, identity, socioeconomic status or other identifications. We know that racial and other forms of discrimination are not new.

However, recent events have made it painfully clear that progress cannot be made unless each individual and organization within our community makes a decision to step out of their comfort zone, learns something new about someone different than them, and takes action to make inclusion a priority. 

The racial, socioeconomic status and gender identity demographics represented in Badger Region Volleyball are significantly different than our state and especially of our country. We at Badger Region have begun an internal examination to address the shortfall of diversity and inclusion within our organization, in our clubs and in volleyball as a sport and community. 

The Badger Region and its Board of Directors and staff commit to: 

  • Listening and learning with open minds, and assisting others in doing the same, so that volleyball can be a sport where everyone feels safe and welcome.
  • Exploring our organizational structure, policies and procedures to examine ways to be more inclusive.
  • Creating a Diversity & Inclusion Committee and seeking input from our membership
  • Reaching more areas of need through the Badger Region Grant Program
  • Reducing current barriers to entry into volleyball, and collaborating with other entities to increase access to our sport
  • Creating opportunities for outreach to underserved communities and populations
  • Increasing access to employment opportunities for families and individuals in need
  • Looking at ways to develop a minority coach and official scholarship and mentoring program
  • Developing a resource and outreach page on the Badger Region website for diversity and inclusion initiatives and information
  • Diversifying Badger Region’s social media following and shared content

Going by the mantra of “If you can’t see it, you won’t be it,” these steps and more are important and the time is now. Thank you to “Match Point” for this powerful video – with Wisconsin ties – to help explain some of the many reasons these actions are needed: https://www.facebook.com/112142830251137/videos/281930069659362/

FOR A LINK TO THE REGION’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION RESOURCES PAGE, CLICK HERE

Please look for more information on these initiatives as we examine how to best implement and expand access to our sport. If you would like to volunteer or have ideas for implementation, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Armson-Dyer at jarmsondyer@badgerarchive4.0ed61ed.netsolhost.com. 

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