Diversity has been elevated to a number-one priority for the USTA and USTA Northern. USTA Northern's Diversity Committee developed a diversity statement for the Section, which was approved by the Board of Directors and is currently working on the diversity plan.
USTA NORTHERN DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Definition
We, the Northern branch of the United States Tennis Association, recognize diversity as essential to achieving our mission, "To Promote and Develop the Growth of Tennis." For us, diversity refers to differences of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, beliefs, social economic status, sexual orientation, family status, physical ability, appearance and ideas. We are committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering a tennis environment that is more inclusive.
Importance
Diversity makes good business sense, is critical to achieving the mission of the organization, is a level one priority and is an integral part of the success of the sectional strategic initiatives. Our responsibility as the governing body for the sport obligates us to achieve a level of involvement that is open to, and represents the people we serve. It is our goal to expand the image of tennis to one that invites and supports the involvement of all.
Philosophy
Great organizations are characterized by a passion for excellence and the foresight to anticipate opportunities to further their mission. To realize our mission we believe we must:
* Establish diversity as a key strategic priority in all facets of our organization
* Encourage organizational members, CTA’s and all individuals to adopt diversity as a priority
* Expect that every leader include diversity objectives in their performance appraisal and business planning process
* Measure leaders' success at achieving specific national and sectional goals identified by assessment data and feedback
* Build a culture that respects, values and celebrates diversity
* Serve as a model organization for all others who aspire to an inclusive environment
Focus Areas
To implement the findings from the USTA National organizational assessment (focus groups, and surveys) we propose the following as preliminary areas of focus where applicable:
* Increasing awareness in the organization of the importance of diversity
* Recruiting and hiring greater diversity into our sport
* Mentoring, developing, educating and training all affiliated with the sport
* Developing metrics and measures of success
* Demonstrating behaviors that are aligned with the philosophy