Softball Canada established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team in 2021 with representation from across Canada and all areas of the game (athletes, umpires, coaches and administrators). The group holds monthly meetings, providing an open and safe space for valuable conversation and discussion regarding the realities of the landscape of softball in Canada.

The DEI Team identified and discussed barriers to participation across six initial areas of focus: Black & People of Colour; Indigenous Peoples; LGBTQI2S+; People with a Disability; Socio-Economic Status; and Women in Sport, and considering the perspectives of athletes, coaches, and umpires. Through these valuable conversations, the Team was able to provide INclusion INcorporated with inputs and supports to co-create and advance Softball Canada’s work towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its programs and services.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team will be comprised of diverse representatives who will work towards delivery of the outcomes and form recommendations. The group should be comprised of 10 members including two co-chairs and up to a maximum of 6 members of the softball community including a minimum of one umpire, coach, athlete, and administrator who identify as having lived experience in one or more following groups of focus as identified by the DEI Team:

• Black & People of Colour.
• Indigenous Peoples.
• LGBTQI2S+.
• People with a Disability.
• Socio-Economic Status; and
• Women in Sport.

 It will also include a Softball Canada staff member, a Softball Canada board liaison.

The full group will meet monthly via Zoom. (12 times annually – with the ability to postpone meetings as needed, especially during the softball season).

Roles & Responsibilities of Team Members

• Attend DEI Team meetings and inform the Co-Chairs & Softball Canada Staff if they are unable to attend.
• Come to meetings prepared, having reviewed the agenda and any meeting materials
• Adhere to Safe Space Guidelines
• Assist in the development and ongoing delivery of the Softball Canada DEI Strategy and Action Plan
• Provide feedback on major initiatives and programs
• Champion Softball Canada DEI initiatives

Softball Canada’s DEI team is looking for team members with a diverse skill set. These skills include but are not limited to:

• In depth knowledge and understanding of Softball Canada structure and operation,
• In depth knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices,
• Ability to work both in a group and independently,
• Ability to create positive change within one's P/TSO in regards to diversity, equity and inclusion• Relationships with organisations who work with equity searching groups,
• Marketing, communications, social media, and public relations experience an asset,
• Philanthropy, fundraising, and grant applications experience,
• Event organisation,
• Policy writing.

Please fill out the application below and describe any skill set you have that should be considered by the selection committee.