Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging Statement
At Surfing Moms, we deeply acknowledge and honor the historical roots of surfing as originating from people of color spanning from Africa to the Pacific Islands. We hold in high esteem the legacy of these surfing pioneers, their mastery of the craft, and the opportunities they paved for people today to participate in an inclusive sporting community. Our mission is to nurture a connection between individuals in community, and the natural elements of land and sea, fostering healthy bodies, minds, and relationships with nature.
Surfing Moms is committed to challenging and dismantling stereotypes entrenched in modern surf culture. Through carefully designed programs created by our dedicated board, staff, contractors, and volunteers, we actively work to redefine the narrative of surfing so that this narrative includes all cultures, perspectives, and bodies. Surfing Moms endeavors to be a community welcoming and supportive of mothers and families from all cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.
As Surfing Moms continues to evolve, we extend an open invitation to you to join us on our journey of growth and learning. We recognize that there are gaps in belonging within our organization and in the broader surf culture. Our aim is to eliminate these barriers, construct bridges across divides through innovative programs and outreach, and deconstruct systems that perpetuate inequality and exclusion.
Do you have an idea for a program that could enhance belonging and foster inclusion within Surfing Moms? We eagerly welcome your input and insights. Please feel free to reach out to Michelle at Development@surfingmoms.org to initiate a conversation and share your thoughts. Together, let's create a more vibrant, equitable, and inclusive surfing community for all.
Photo by Jungle Rootz Hawaii - IG @junglerootzhawaii
DEI Policy:
Surfing Moms is committed to growing systems of support for maternal wellness that reflect the diversity of our community, promote inclusivity, and ensure equity and justice are centered in programming, research, administrative, and financial decisions.
Surfing Moms is committed to annual structural assessment of our board, staff, and programs via the JEDI committee. Results will guide shifts in practice to improve access to programming and community belonging. It is foundational that community members, partners, funders, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and dignity.
For the purposes of this statement, diversity refers to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, disability and socio-economic status; inclusion is valuing, respecting, and encouraging the full participation of each individual in the life and leadership of the organization; equity is a process that ensures all people have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and grow despite historical, structural, legislative, racial, and socio-economic inequities.
Anti-Discrimination Statement:
Surfing Moms celebrates the rich diversity of our international community and their families. We will not tolerate discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying of any kind, regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, or marital status.
Board JEDI Statement:
As an organization and Board of Directors, we agree to be guided by the Surfing Moms Anti-Discrimination and JEDI statements and pledge that they will be reflected in our vision, mission, strategic planning, programming, governance, and board composition. Our commitment to diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion extends to our staff, our members, and programs we develop and support. We pledge to be advocates and to take action, and as mothers, caregivers and community members, to hold ourselves accountable in taking concrete steps to make this a world a better place for our children.
OUR GOALS
We will diversify our team: Board, Coordinators, and contractors
We will diversify our marketing, model casting and presentation of our community
We will become advocates for minority women and minority maternal health
OUR VALUES
Community, Connection, Support, Well-Being, Empowerment, Sustainability. Cooperation, Belonging, Confidence, Play, Integrity
OUR ACTIONS IN OUR WORKPLACE & IN OUR MARKETING AND PROGRAMS
Workplace
Create diversity in the workplace through inclusive hiring practices and actively partner with organizations who support and promote diverse candidates
Implement ongoing education and JEDI committee meetings quarterly as a leadership team, and create space for discussion of equity and justice at board meetings
Adopt and implement sociocratic methods to create a process that equitably honors all voices and eliminates traditional powerholds and hierarchies that are biased
Uphold a community culture that prioritizes and celebrates diversity and inclusion
Provide opportunities for our team to be better citizens
Marketing And Programs
Better represent all races, regions, and family units on our site and program materials
Dedicate resources and budget to supporting equitable opportunity for surf inspired maternal wellness for communities who would not otherwise have access to surfing (e.g., member scholarship and access to surfboards/wetsuits/other necessary gear)
Develop and post a land acknowledgement for each chapter as well as a statement on the history of surfing including racism, sexism, and cultural appropriation
WHERE WE’RE STARTING
We have big goals and important strides to make that will take time, but we aren’t letting that stop us from effecting change where we can, today.
We will be updating this page regularly with our actions and our efforts to share what we are doing to affect change on a continuing basis.
Please reach out to us at development@surfingmoms.org (Michelle Gorham Dasic) with any questions about the work we are doing or to provide feedback.
Updated 4/18/2024