Let's grow with our sport: petition for inclusion

UPDATE: USPA let me know on 10/7 that they are definitely going to post an inclusivity statement as soon as they have the wording hashed out.  This is great news!  Please continue to support the USPA in this effort by signing the petition.

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Many institutions and associations around the US are updating their organizational perspectives as a result of movements not only for BLM but for "Inclusivity" of all genders, races and perspectives. Inclusion in sport means:

"Pro-active behaviours, options and actions to make people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities feel welcome, respected and that they belong at your club. Being inclusive is about following best practice for what sport should be so that everyone can get the most out of it."

"The men and women responsible for sport are leaders. Sport has the intrinsic ability to bring about positive social change in the communities where we live, work and play. The culture of the leagues and teams naturally permeate throughout these communities and institutions, with the ability to enrich our lives, create opportunities and forge trust and relationships."  Sports Business Journal

With less than 15% women and even less people of color, it's time for the sport to promote itself as available and psychologically safe for anyone who wants to participate.

The USPA is the leader in skydiving for education, safety and progression of the sport. This petition asks the USPA to step forward and create a formal statement of inclusion. An example is set by the NBA.

Please sign this petition if you believe in inclusion and would like to see the USPA encourage diversity and inclusivity throughout the sport.

Other example sports with new inclusivity initiatives:

NASCAR

NHL

MLB

**** I want to address some concerns folks have expressed about this petition***

I agree that skydiving does not actively exclude people of any background, sexual orientation or other difference.  I totally get the philosophy and for some, experience, of being in a welcoming "skydiving family".  I experience that as well with the people I enjoy the most, those I skydive with and that bring diversity, kindness and comedy to our jumps.  

The request here isn't to discredit the inclusivity we DO have, it is to expand it.  There are various situations that I have experienced and have heard from a few friends where there has been very inappropriate behavior and no one stood up to it and/or helped prevent it.  The intent here is to purposefully distinguish our inclusive values and provide support for people to have the courage to "say something" when someone is being treated disrespectully or something is not safe.

This isn't a political issue.  It's a human respect issue. There is nothing hurtful about simply stating what we value as a sport.  If nothing else, it will provide education and awareness that not everyone experiences the skydiving "family" as welcoming or as safe as others do and this deserves respect and acknowledgement.

I understand those who disagree for various reasons and respect the different opinions.  I just want to be clear that this something very standard in the sporting industry and the request is in alignment with good sportsmanship culture.

If you disagree, please simply scroll on.