Mission
The mission of the US Sailing Community Sailing Committee is to to promote and support community sailing in the United States. We recognize diversity as essential to achieving our mission; For us, diversity refers to the differences of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, age, beliefs, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family status, physical ability, appearance and ideas. We are committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering an environment that is more inclusive.
To help us achieve our mission, we seek to identify organizations that provide the highest quality of education and support access to sailing for all. These are organizations that align with the standards set forth by US Sailing and offer safety, fun and learning through their programming.
Under the direction of the committee, US Sailing provides grants, accreditation and resources to support the growth of Community Sailing. If you are interested in being involved community sailing through one of our subcommittees, or if you have general questions, please contact Janel Zarkowsky at JanelZarkowsky@ussailing.org.
Diversity
Community Sailing Diversity Statement
The US Sailing Community Sailing Committee has adopted this statement as one of the cornerstones of their mission.
Definition
We, the US Sailing Community Sailing Committee, recognize diversity as essential to achieving our mission, “to promote and support community sailing in the United States.” For us, diversity refers to the differences of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, age, beliefs, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family status, physical ability, appearance and ideas.
We are committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering an environment that is more inclusive.
Importance
Diversity makes good development sense, is critical to achieving the mission of the organization, and is an integral part of the success of the US Sailing Community Sailing Committee’s other strategic initiatives. It is our goal to expand the image of sailing 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 sailing.
• Encourage national, regional and local sailing organizations to adopt diversity as a priority.
• Expect that every leader will include diversity objectives in his or her performance appraisal and business-planning process.
• Build a culture that respects, values, and celebrates diversity.
• Serve as a model organization for all others that aspire to an inclusive environment.
Focus Areas
To implement this statement, we propose the following as the preliminary areas of focus:
• Increasing awareness in the organization of the importance of diversity.
• Recruiting and hiring greater diversity into our sport.
• Providing mentoring, development, education, and training.
• Demonstrating behaviors that are aligned with the philosophy.
• Developing strategic partnerships and relationships that will complement our efforts to achieve greater diversity throughout all areas of sailing.
Community Sailing Handbook
The Community Sailing Handbook was developed to provide a road map for individuals and organizations, to develop a community sailing program. The original version of this publication, developed in 1987, would not have been possible without the dedication of a handful of volunteers who gave their time and talents to create it. Particular thanks is given to Timothea S. Larr, who coordinated the entire project for the US Sailing. Sincere thanks, too, to those who authored sections of the book: Robert G. Black, Dr. Richard Farkas, Tom Fisher, Robert F. Johnstone, Marion Percell, J. Richard Pfund, George R. Rounds, Don Strobel, Capt. Harold J. Sutphen, and Glo Webel.
Please click here to download the complete Community Sailing Handbook
Please note: The Community Sailing Committee is currently updating this document.
