2023 USRowing Call for Nominations: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

USRowing invites nominations from the rowing community to join our team and submit their candidacy for the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. USRowing established the DEI Committee as a Standing Committee in 2020. These are volunteer positions. All are welcome to apply, but we are seeking individuals with multiple years of professional and community experience in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. We are also seeking U.S. National Team athletes to join the committee.

Nominations for the committee positions are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 16, 2023.

Nominations

Interested parties should declare their intent by submitting the nomination form and disclosure form with all required materials no later than the date indicated above to USRowing and acknowledge acceptance of the responsibilities and duties of the position that they seek by signature on the self-nomination form.

Selection

The USRowing Board of Directors Nominating Committee will work with the CEO, Chief Community Engagement Officer, and select members of the DEI Committee to interview final candidates and to select the members. The nomination applications will determine a final group of candidates to be interviewed. The committee will have no fewer than (5) members. At least 33 percent of its members shall meet the athlete representation standards set forth in Section 8.8.1 of the USOPC By-laws.

Responsibilities and Vision of the USRowing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

USRowing aims to create an inclusive culture, which benefits from the differences among its constituents. These differences include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, geographic location, religion, language, veteran status, and physical and cognitive abilities. The organization aspires to exemplify diversity, equity and inclusion in the sport of rowing at all levels of governance, training, education, and achievement, from local community rowing clubs to the boardroom of USRowing, from learn-to-row sessions on rivers in cities to lakes in rural communities, and to award ceremonies on the Olympic and Paralympic podiums.

USRowing aspires to make the sport safe and accessible to all our country's youth and adults, regardless of background or ability. Inclusion is about creating and maintaining an environment in which people are not excluded or marginalized because of their differences. It means promoting an environment in which contributions and strengths are recognized, optimized, and valued in a way that generates opportunities for overcoming obstacles, adapting to change, fostering personal growth, and experiencing success in the sport of rowing.

To put into action this vision, the Board of Directors voted to create a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee on June 10, 2020, as a Standing Committee of the organization. The DEI Committee works in partnership with the staff of USRowing, and in 2023, it will begin to execute the Strategic Plan. Below are the mission and vision of the DEI Strategic Plan:

Mission Statement: Recognizing that there are those who have been traditionally excluded from rowing, we champion transformative change that makes participation in rowing at every level accessible and welcoming for all current and future members.

Vision Statement: We envision a future in which the culture of rowing creates an environment where each rower feels they belong, and the sport reflects the diversity of our local communities.

Time Commitment

Each committee position is a one-year term appointment, subject to renewal. Candidates should expect to dedicate at least 6-8 hours per month to the work of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. The committee will conduct most of its work by video and by email and will be expected to meet virtually an average of 2-3 times per month.

2023 USRowing DEI Committee Nomination Form (pdf)

2023 USRowing DEI Committee Nomination Form (.doc)

Click here for the Conflict of Interest & Confidentiality Agreement (pdf)