USTA Diversity Statement
Please Tell Us About Your Program!
We, 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, age, beliefs, religion, 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.
Diversity USTA Missouri Valley
Embracing diversity and encouraging multicultural outreach efforts is essential to achieving the USTA Missouri Valley Section's mission to grow the sport of tennis. We are committed to fostering a tennis environment that is more inclusive and inviting to all people. In working to expand the image of tennis, the USTA Missouri Valley Section is focused on broadening and increasing Diversity participation in the sport and serving as a model for all organizations that aspire to successful growth and an inclusive environment.
Althea Gibson must be smiling over Venus, Serena (story from ESPN.com - July 10, 2008)
Mission and History of Diversity Committee
The mission of the USTA Missouri Valley Section Diversity Committee is to promote and develop the growth of multicultural participation and diversity in all aspects of organized tennis. To that end, the committee strives to:
1) Identify and address barriers that continue to prevent those of multicultural heritage (i.e. African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Pacific Islanders, Native Americans/Alaskan Indians) from full participation in USTA programs and activities;
2) Develop targeted initiatives for existing programs as well as new programming opportunities which will enhance awareness and bolster multicultural participation in all aspects of USTA Missouri Valley operations;
3) Develop methods that will allow for the successful monitoring and evaluation of multicultural participation and diversity as they apply to the section's programs, services and operations;
4) Work collaboratively with USTA Missouri Valley committees, councils and divisions to ensure that multicultural participation and diversity remain common threads throughout the entire fabric of our strategic planning and operations;
5) Develop and execute a long-range multicultural participation plan for the section.
The committee’s current chair, Jeremiah Ollison of Oklahoma City, has served since 2005. He was the Oklahoma District representative for eight years prior.
The Diversity Committee is always on the lookout for volunteers and supporters who share a vision to create a more diverse and inclusive organization. And while the Diversity Committee is a great place to make a difference, there are other active committees including Community Development, Budget and Finance, Junior Council, Marketing and more, all of which are committed to ensuring that the needs of all current and future members are being adequately served.
Grants
Financial disparity is consistently identified as a significant barrier that prevents multicultural players from getting into the sport. To help boost tennis participation among aspiring multicultural players, the USTA has created the Multicultural Grants Program, which offers grants to programs, community tennis associations and individual players.
Diversity/Multicultural Participation (This Includes You)
The USTA Multicultural Participation Department is made up of a National Director of Multicultural Development and a staff person in each of the 17 USTA Section Offices.
The role of the staff is:
> To generate awareness of tennis programs and activities.
> To provide training opportunities for tennis coaches at local, regional, and national locations.
> To work closely with all USTA program coordinators to promote their programs to diverse communities.
> To identify possible funding sources to assist programs, players and coaches in their efforts.
> To work closely with the volunteer Multicultural Participation Committee in the recruitment of new volunteers.
> To work with established and new Community Tennis Associations to insure that the multicultural segment of the community is represented.
> To cultivate relationships with professional, cultural and educational organizations who may serve as partners to promote and develop the growth of tennis.
> To educate and provide training opportunities to sectional and national staff in the area of diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.
> To assist in strengthening the USTA image.
> To facilitate the relationship between minority owned businesses and the USTA to ensure total inclusion in all vendor and supplier bidding opportunities.
USTA Missouri Valley Section Diversity Committee
Jeremiah Ollison - Committee Chair
1337 NW 104th | Oklahoma City, OK 73114 | 405-219-5814
ollisonaisf@acninc.net
Brian Sullivan - Vice Chair
2115 W. 72nd Street | Prairie Village, KS 66208 | 913-766-8622
kansascitytennis@gmail.com
Tracy Cooper - Heart of America District Representative
4326 Homestead | Prairie Village, KS 66209
tennismom@kc.rr.com
Bonnie Beechum - Iowa District Representative
3216 45th Street | Davenport, IA 61265 | 563-322-7363
Bbeechum1@aol.com
Ron Thompson - Kansas District Representative
7115 Chadowes | Wichita, KS 67357 | 316-681-1273
ront702@yahoo.com
TBD - Missouri District Representative
Jane Hines - Nebraska District Representative
510 S. 157th Circle | Omaha, NE 68118 | 402-333-4551
h2omaha@cox.net
Darrell Alfred - Oklahoma District Representative
11728 North Stratford Dr. | Oklahoma City, OK 73120 | 405-752-2056
Dalfred4@cox.net
Gwen Moore - St. Louis District Representative
3718 Candlewyck Club Dr. | #E | Florissant, MO 63034 | 314-447-6346
Gwen898@sbcglobal.net
Fred Johnson - USTA Missouri Valley Staff Liaison
6400 West 95th Street | Suite 102 | Overland Park, KS 66212 | 913-322-4828
johnson@movalley.usta.com