COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Archery is committed to being a leader within the archery community and beyond by increasing diversity, actively addressing inequities within the organization and the sport, providing equal access and creating an environment of inclusion in which all people feel safe, respected and valued. To that end, USA Archery has developed a strategic plan to foster diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) within the sport of archery, launched a dedicated webpage to share and promote initiatives and resources, founded a DEIA Advisory Council and offers grant programs to boost participation in underserved communities.
The inaugural DEIA Advisory Council members are:
Linda Ochoa-Anderson, a decorated compound archer for Team USA who previously competed for Mexico commented, “When I was invited to be part of the DEIA Advisory Council, I didn’t think twice about it. As a Hispanic woman, I know how important it is to have access to equal opportunities, feeling included and safe. I look forward to working with the members of this council as well as to being a voice for the USA Archery community.”
Kylon Gresham, President of Vanguard Initiative Archery Club in Tempe, AZ said, “I anticipate serving on the DEIA Advisory Council will provide an opportunity to further enhance USA Archery’s ability to engage those of underrepresented demographics in the sport. Bringing different perspectives to the table lends itself to making the sport better through proper exposure and considerations for growth. I’m confident that my experiences, societal views, and creativity will add value to the archery community.”
Since 2017, USA Archery has facilitated grant programs to support the development of Explore Archery programs in 50 communities and trained nearly 100 instructors to provide pathways for archery via urban park and recreation departments. In addition, USA Archery maintains grant programs for disabled veterans, adaptive athletes and women.
“USA Archery, in consultation with the Inclusion Playbook, looked to identify areas of opportunity to strengthen our commitment to DEIA in the areas of organizational health, our people, outreach, marketing and communications and funding. The DEIA Advisory Council will help guide these initiatives, future funding committments and provide feedback from the archery community to ensure USA Archery continues to be a sport where everyone feels welcome,” said USA Archery Chief of Sport Performance and Organizational Development Mary Emmons.
Learn more about USA Archery’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access.
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