We are excited to introduce another valuable new resource, Working with Community: Sailing Clubs Partnering for Success, that will help sailing clubs and facilities navigate the journey toward greater inclusivity. This guide from INclusion INcorporated (in partnership with Sail Canada) emphasizes the importance of working with community groups, particularly those representing equity-seeking individuals, to create a more welcoming and diverse sailing environment. This resource, available for download now, provides practical steps for partnering with the community to foster inclusivity and ensure that everyone can enjoy the thrill of sailing.
The Importance of Community Collaboration
Inclusivity within sailing clubs starts with understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse communities. To genuinely become inclusive, clubs must engage with equity-seeking groups, acknowledging that it is not their responsibility to overcome the barriers to participation—they need our support to break these down.
By building these connections, we gain valuable insights into how we can reshape sailing to be more inclusive and reflective of our communities.
Key Steps to Building Community Partnerships:
- Diverse Communities are not the Problem: As we work to foster a more inclusive environment, we must appreciate that diverse communities are not part of our Clubs and programs because we have not designed them in mind.
- Build Community Understanding: Connecting with existing community groups or nonprofits already supporting equity-seeking individuals is crucial. Focus on one or two groups at a time to avoid overextending and ensure that efforts are meaningful and impactful. Each group has unique needs and perspectives, and a tailored approach will be more effective.
- Educate Yourself: The first tack in steering your club towards inclusivity is education. Understanding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles and the specific challenges faced by different communities is essential. This knowledge lays the groundwork for meaningful engagement and effective collaboration.
- Develop Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of successful community relationships. Building trust requires consistent, genuine engagement and an openness to learn and adapt. Trust fosters a safe environment where all members feel valued and heard, ensuring long-term, sustainable partnerships.
- Actively Listen: Effective collaboration hinges on active listening. Embrace the principle of “nothing about us, without us,” ensuring that equity-seeking groups are actively involved in decision-making processes. By listening to their needs and co-creating programs, clubs can develop initiatives that genuinely reflect the community’s diverse voices.
- Collect and Act on Feedback: Offering multiple channels for feedback, including anonymous options, promotes openness and inclusivity. It’s essential to incorporate this feedback into your programs promptly, demonstrating a commitment to responsiveness and continuous improvement. Accountability and transparency in addressing errors build trust and integrity.
Sailing Toward a More Inclusive Future
By focusing on community engagement, education, trust-building, and active listening, sailing clubs can create environments where everyone feels empowered and safe to be their authentic selves. This not only enriches the sailing experience but also strengthens the community and ensures the sport remains vibrant and accessible to all.
For more information about INclusion INcorporated, please visit www.inclusionincorporated.com – stay tuned for more inclusion resources from Sail Canada and the INclusion INcorporated Team!
Download the resource (under Resources) >
