Alberta Snowboarding – Inclusivity and Equality Initiative

Alberta Snowboarding - Inclusivity and Equality Initiative

The Inclusivity and Equality Initiative by Alberta Snowboard marks a significant stride towards cultivating a more inclusive and equitable snowboarding community. This transformative journey involved a comprehensive overhaul of organizational policies, driven by a commitment to fostering an environment where individuals of all backgrounds can actively participate and thrive in the sport of snowboarding.

Key Objectives:

  1. Policy Revisions: The initiative focused on revising organizational policies to embed inclusivity and equality at the core of operations, translating these principles from statements into lived realities.
  2. Provincial and National Impact: Alberta Snowboard emerged as an initiative setter, sharing experiences and lessons learned with other provinces nationwide. The aim was to inspire positive change, champion inclusivity and equality, and create a more diverse and welcoming environment in snow sports.

Valuable Learnings:

  1. Ongoing Commitment: True inclusivity demands continuous effort and commitment. The initiative revealed that beyond policy changes, fostering a culture of inclusivity requires ongoing education, training, and awareness-building within the organization.
  2. Power of Collaboration: Collaboration and knowledge exchange proved pivotal. Alberta Snowboard recognized the importance of partnerships and sharing best practices to accelerate the adoption of inclusive policies on a national scale.

Challenges:

  1. Resistance to Change: The project encountered resistance within the organization, necessitating time and effort to address concerns and provide education for a smooth transition.
  2. Impact Measurement: Tracking the impact of inclusivity and equality measures posed a challenge, requiring ongoing data collection and analysis to accurately measure progress.

The Inclusivity and Equality Initiative underscored the ongoing nature of the journey towards inclusivity and equality. It emphasized the need for dedication, collaboration, and patience, reinforcing the organization's commitment to adapting and evolving approaches to create a truly inclusive snowboarding community.