The Collective Action Forum: Sports for Inclusion, Connection, and Learning is a dynamic, one-day event dedicated to addressing the challenges that hinder the full participation of equity-deserving communities in Canadian society, particularly within the realm of sports. This forum serves as a catalyst for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing, bringing together BIPOC youth, sport organizations, cultural communities, municipalities, and newcomer-serving agencies.
Forum Program Overview
- Sector Update: A reflection on the previous PASS forum and a review of progress in creating inclusive sports environments since then. This session ensures continuity, assesses achievements, and identifies areas needing further development.
- Experience Sharing: Presentations on successful sports partnerships that highlight examples of inclusivity in action. These presentations aim to inspire participants and provide effective strategies for cross-sector collaboration.
- Breakout Sessions:
- Creating Inclusive Sports Spaces: Discusses strategies and best practices for sports organizations to foster inclusivity.
- Finding Grants and Resources: Offers essential guidance for cultural and community organizations on accessing funding and resources to support inclusive sports initiatives.
- Leadership & Career Opportunities in Sport: Empowers youth by highlighting pathways to leadership within the sports sector, encouraging career aspirations, and fostering future leaders.
- Panel Discussion: Focuses on how newcomer and cultural organizations can forge meaningful partnerships with sports organizations. It facilitates dialogue on overcoming barriers and maximizing collaborative opportunities to enhance inclusivity.
- Networking: Provides valuable opportunities for participants to connect, share insights, and collaborate across sectors. This fosters ongoing partnerships and strengthens the collective effort toward inclusive sports.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced connections and partnerships between newcomers, settlement service organizations, cultural communities, and sports organizations.
- Improved understanding and responsiveness of sports organizations to the needs and barriers of newcomers and marginalized communities.
- Increased youth engagement and leadership in sports among equity-deserving groups.
Forum Participants
The forum will bring together a diverse group, including sports organizations at all levels, community-based sport organizations, policymakers, cultural community organizations, newcomer-serving agencies, municipal governments, recreation facilitators, coaches, athletes, sports-serving board members, and equity-deserving youth with an interest in sports.