Athletic Organization

Diversity Plan
Andrea Lasley
Definition of Diversity

Before we begin, write down a sentence or two of your own definition of diversity.

Did it contain words such as DIFFERENT, INDIVIDUAL, RACE, DIVERSITY, VARIETY,

UNIQUENESS?
Merriam Webster Definition of Diversity: The condition of having or being composed
of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people
(as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization
At its very source, Diversity has the potential to benefit athletics teams and its
workplace. Cultivating various perspectives, life experiences, and viewpoints creates
an immense value to the workplace.
Why Diversity is Important to Us?

Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is much more than bearing a persons uniqueness. It is
focused on respecting, appreciating, and understanding
ones uniqueness
Stereotypes/biases are frowned upon, it is damaging to the
organization
Discrimination creates narrowmindedness, harms employee
confidence, stresses team relationships, and damaging
productivity
Discrimination is illegal in terms of litigation
Our Plan

Vision: We commit to increasing diversity both on and off the field, which is
expressed in numerous methods, including race, ethnicity, gender and
gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, language,
culture, origin, religious commitments, age, (dis)ability status, and political
standpoint.
Mission: To promote an organization and community representing a wide
variety of individuals at all levels. All of which display respect, honor and
celebrate human differences. Additionally implementing the commonalities
we share, and provide each individual with the opportunity to achieve his or
her full potential in the organization and executing its goals.
Our Plan

Vision and Mission Statements:

Are our vision and mission statements appropriate?
Jot down anything that you think needs to be altered or added
into these statements to make them more meaningful and
effective.
We will take a few minutes to discuss any altercations or add-ons as a
whole
Our Plan

Goals for the Year:

1. Department of Athletics Commitment
Leadership
2. Evaluations
3. Communication
4. Organization and Structure
5. Programs and Activities
Our Plan

Goals for the Year:

Are our Goals for the Year suitable?
Jot down anything that you think needs to be altered or added
into these goals to make them more meaningful, effective, and
successful.
We will take a few minutes to discuss any altercations or add ons as a
whole
Our Plan

Objectives:
Focus on three key areas:
Encourage a culture of diversity, engagement and flexibility
Embrace diversity in the workplace and on the field
Represent, connect and engage communities
 Department of Athletics
Commitment
Measureable Goals
1. Detail Diversity goals in
vision and mission
statement
2. Enhanced recruiting of
diverse athletes, coaching staff,
on-field staff & front office
3. Provide leadership through
learning activities, forums &
speakers that promote diversity
& inclusion
Steps to Achieve Goals
1. Revisit vision/mission
statements. Reviews should offer
appropriate diversity goals & new
statements that are needed.
2. Consider a hiring protocol
that reflects on diversity
program, current employees
will retain their position.
3. Work with divisions to
provide tailored unconscious
bias training across the
organization.
Individual Responsibility
1. Director of Athletics
2. Human Resources, Managers
seeking new employees
3. General Manager, President,
Vice President, Director of
Athletics, Managers, Coaches,
Captains
 Evaluating Diversity
Measureable Goals
1. Review & offer revisions to
the vision/mission statement &
other objectives
2. Monitor organizations
activities for consistency with
developed goals and
objectives
3. Consult with heads of
organization on areas where
athletics can improve and develop
centered in diversity and gender
equality
Steps to Achieve Goals Individual Responsibility
1. Include diverse athletes & staff 1. ALL Staff and Athletes
members, implement discussions
(one-on-one and focus groups)
about diversity to enhance athletes
& staff feedback.
2. Conduct surveys of all 2. Director of Athletics
personnel, the surveys will
evaluate how the organization is
doing in meeting expectations of
the Diversity Plan. Implement
discussions & determine if there
modifications needed.
3. Share data of surveys and 3. General Manager, President,
discussions with President, Director Vice President, Director of
of Athletics and Managers. Athletics, Managers, Coaches,
Captains
 Communication Is Key
Measureable Goals
1. Promote the Diversity Plan
aims & activities across the
organization
2. Promote the diversity of the
athletic organizations
workforce & content externally
to the fan base
Steps to Achieve Goals Individual Responsibility
1. Deliver organizational-wide 1. General Manager, President,
communication framework. Vice President, Managers,
Managers, & coaches deliver a Coaches
divisional communication
framework.
2. Release information/stories 2. General Manager, President,
of the organizations progress Vice President, Managers,
of diversity to fans externally. Coaches, Social Media
Posts will be on regular Specialist
quarterly basis through social
media outlets.
Facebook
Snapchat
 Organization and Structure
Measureable Goals
1. Develop & maintain solid
steps to promote & publicize
diversity in athletics
2. Improve & maintain
educational efforts on diversity
for coaches, staff & athletes in
the Department of Athletics
Steps to Achieve Goals Individual Responsibility
1. Annually circulate 1. Director of Athletics;
statements of commitment to Athletics Administration
diversity to front office staff,
coaches & athletes.
2. Annually evaluate the 2. Director of Athletics;
Department of Athletics vision/ Athletics Administration
mission statements &
commitment to diversity. Data
will be distributed to the
organization as a whole.
 Programs and Activities
Measureable Goals
1. Provide opportunities for all
staff and athletes
2. Athletics will conduct or
make available ongoing
diversity seminars,
programming & workshops for
athletes & staff
Steps to Achieve Goals Individual Responsibility
1. Offer periodic workshops (once every 1. Coaching staffs; Athletic
quarter) for staff & athletes to explore &
learn about diversity. Interaction with Administrators
diversity groups is highly encouraged and
supported by coaches, staff & athletes.
Workshops will be held on facility
premises.
Time/day will be dependent on
schedules & building availability.
Issues covered during these workshops
will be on anything that needs to be
reviewed or if an issue arises.
2. Consult with similar Organization 2. Director of Athletics, Athletics
Seminar Trainers, to learn about
effective means to providing
Administrators; Head Coaches,
diversity seminars, programming & Other Athletic Sources
workshops for athletes & staff
 Works Cited

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<http://www.nfl.com/careers/diversity>.
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