Diversity is one of the strategic priorities of USTA Southern. Appreciating the importance and benefits of diversity, USTA Southern promotes programs that cultivate diversity in both our membership and our leadership in order to share the sport of tennis with people of all backgrounds.
- Foster an inclusive culture and accessibility in every aspect of programming, volunteer recruitment and employment.
- Develop programs and outreach practices that encourage groups that have not traditionally been involved in tennis to participate with an ultimate goal to achieve a diverse pool of players that reflects the demographics of the Section.
- Identify areas, facilities and/or organizations where diversity efforts are most needed and partner with key community partners and organizations to provide targeted support.
- Support and encourage the state associations and community tennis associations within the Section to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their organizations.
Definitions
Diversity: The collective mixture of similarities and differences around race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviors that makes each person unique.
Inclusion: Creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate and contribute to the organization’s success.
Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups within the procedures, processes, and systems.
National Strategic Direction: Southern aligns itself with the USTA Diversity & Inclusion Department which is anchored in six (6) focus areas: Human Assets, Section/Community Engagement, Image, Strategic Partnerships, Supplier Diversity and Training & Development.
US Open "Be Open" Campaign
Click here to view video, photos and other information.
Resources
News
- Click here for our news feed, which includes stories about D&I monthly observances.
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January: Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Mentoring Month
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February: Black History Month
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March: Women’s History Month
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April: Autism Awareness
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May: Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American/Pacific Islander
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June: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month, Caribbean American Heritage Month
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July: American Disability Act Awareness
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August: Black Business Month
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September: Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15), Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week (9/20-9/24)
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October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Italian American Heritage Month
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November: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Military Family Month
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December: Universal Human Rights Month
USTA Southern Staff
- Cee Jai Jones, USTA Southern Director of Diversity, NJTL & Grants, 770-368-8200 x116
- Allan Jensen, USTA Southern Tennis Service Representative, Hispanic Outreach & Net Generation