EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS SECTION

The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance values diversity within our membership and broader society, understanding that it enriches and strengthens the structure of our profession and our organization.

NYS AHPERD embraces the uniqueness of all individuals, recognizing that each member contributes an anthology of views, experiences, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities, values and preferences.

NYS AHPERD values differences and similarities in people. These differences and similarities include: age, economic status, educational background, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, language and culture, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position and tenure, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, self-identification, sexual orientation, and work experience.

NYS AHPERD believes:

• When our professional organization genuinely represents our constituents, we will gain strength and effectiveness.
• When differences are respected, and shared commonalities are acknowledged, our professional organization can unite and develop meaningful priorities for our Association.
• Meaningful priorities are based upon a collective knowledge, determined by the voluntary will of those who genuinely represent their profession.

NYS AHPERD is committed to:

• Openly assess beliefs and practices of its members to assure inclusiveness and guard against discrimination;
• Make every effort to create an Executive Council and Board of Directors that is inclusive and reflective of our membership.
• Foster programs and practices that minimize bias, prejudice and misunderstanding in our organization.
• Educate its leaders and members to the needs, cultural beliefs, traditions and family structures of the population they serve; and,
• Propose and enact change wherever discriminatory practices are perceived.