USDF task force tackles the subjects of diversity, equity, and inclusion
By Ross Creech, USDF Marketing and Communications Director
This article was originally published in the January/February 2024 issue of USDF Connection.
Established in 2021 by then USDF President Lisa Gorretta, USDF’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force has conducted substantial work behind the scenes. Lisa’s pick to chair the task force was someone whose personal and professional background makes her uniquely qualified: native Hawaiian, USEF ‘S’ dressage judge, dressage trainer and competitor, longtime USDF and USEF program participant, and 2022 USDF Volunteer of the Year Gwen Ka’awaloa.
From its inception, Gwen has made it clear that the task force is not going to attempt to, as she put it, try to solve the world’s problems regarding DEI. Rather, the group will focus on areas within the equestrian community in which positive change could be effected. To that end, the task force created a mission statement that it will strive “to expand USDF’s inclusionary efforts to dispel preconceived notions, highlight the diversity that already exists, and grow interest and participation in dressage through initiatives developed to address concerns related to inclusion, equity, and diversity at all levels of the organization and sport:’
The task force’s first major under taking was the climate survey that was sent out to all USDF members in early 2023. Our members delivered an excellent survey response rate and more than 280 pages of individual comments. We were particularly pleased to see a good mix of both longtime and newer members, with 59% of respondents saying they’ve been USDF members for 10 years or more, and 22% having been members for four years or fewer.
Here are some survey findings:
- Of the respondents, 90% were age 36 or older, and 96% identified as female.
- At dressage competitions, 11% of respondents indicated that they had experienced cause for concern or an issue related to gender, race, religion, height or weight, social class, or another personal characteristic; at non-competition dressage-related events, the reported incidence was 7%. Of those, the characteristics most commonly involved were height and weight (51% at competitions and 50% at non-competition events) and social class (53% and 49%, respectively).
- Sixty-eight percent of the respondents stated that they were aware of, or familiar with, the USDF mission statement.
- Based on their dressage goals pertaining to education, community, and competition, respondents felt that USDF programs were least supportive of their community-based goals.
Complete survey results are available on the USDF website (usdf.org/about/about-usdf/).
The DEI Task Force then met with the USDF Adult Programs Committee to compare its survey data with responses the committee received from a phone survey of GMOs. We have identified multiple topics that together the two groups will address with the goal of developing initiatives. The DEI Task Force is also reaching out to other USDF committees as it works to develop a Resource Advisory Group of approved individuals who will be available to provide guidance and support to those applying to and participating in USDF programs.
Furthering its mission of making the USDF more inclusive, the DEI Task Force has also developed three concept documents -“Competitors’ Closet;” “Engaging Para Riders;” and “New Faces in Dressage” – that GMOs can use in membership-growth efforts by reaching out to possibly under served factions of their area dressage communities. Gwen and her group are also in discussions with The Dressage Foundation and a potential donor to develop a grant fund to benefit entities that focus on the promotion of dressage-one of the three pillars of USDF’s mission statement-outside the usual equine channels.
In today’s charged political climate, perceptions and opinions differ regarding DEI-related efforts. The USDF DEI Task Force is aware of these differences, but the members remain dedicated to positively impacting USDF, the sport, and the dressage community. The task force welcomes your comments at DEI@usdf.org.
Ross Creech is the staff liaison to the USDF DEI Task Force.
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