For Efforts in Diversity and Inclusion
Vermont Business Magazine In 2021 the Community Sailing Center launched its newest signature program, the Sailing Diversity Access Initiative, one that has received national attention. This initiative was borne out of the obligation and desire to foster a new generation of sailors to create a community that represents everyone on Lake Champlain, overcoming racial and socioeconomic barriers to the sport.
The program offers children who identify as BIPOC between the ages of 11-15 a fully funded summer camp experience of up to 4 weeks, and the ability to return for up to 4 years or until they are of age to become a Junior Instructor!
This programming is the first step in an effort to overcome racial and socioeconomic barriers to the sport of sailing, and the Community Sailing Center has made this 4 year commitment to ensure that these children can sail for life, not just for the summer. This program opens 40 new camp weeks each year, in its first year the Community Sailing Center (CSC) saw 17 young BIPOC campers join the program, more than tripling the amount of BIPOC participation in the program’s first year running.
CSC is well underway with the second year of this program and we are thrilled to say that the number of participants has nearly doubled, with 28 BIPOC youth in the program this year. This programming is part of a long-term commitment by CSC to continue the work of inclusion in a sport that has historically left many people on shore.
After its first year CSC won the US Sailing Award for Inclusivity, and shortly afterwards was in contact with the CBS Morning Show to coordinate a segment on the programming and the impact on the families and children that participate.
In late April the CBS Morning Show confirmed that they wanted to do a segment on the work happening at the Community Sailing Center, and in late June an entire film crew came on site from all across the country to speak to campers in the program and share their stories. The Community Sailing Center is dedicated to making sure every child gets a chance to have their hand on the tiller, if you would like to donate to support this initiative please go to our website at www.communitysailingcenter.org ! CSC is very excited to announce thanks to the Waterwheel Foundation the Sailing Diversity Access Initiative will be expanded this fall to include Middle School and High School racing for BIPOC students!
This creates much needed and expanded access on a program that will only continue to grow.
This programming would not be possible without the outpouring of support that CSC has received from the community, including Outdoor Gear Exchange, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, VOREC, Mascoma, The Waterwheel Foundation, The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation, Lawson’s Sunshine Fund, the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust and many more.
To view the segment, please see the CSC youtube video here: https://youtu.be/nknfoCCJlb8
About the Community Sailing Center:
The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center is a community based 501(c) (3) organization with a mission to encourage and celebrate responsible use and long-term stewardship of Lake Champlain by fostering educational and recreational opportunities for all members of our community, regardless of age, gender, race, physical ability, or financial means. For more information, please visit: www.communitysailingcenter.org
[Burlington, VT - July 26, 2022]