Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Definitions

1. The following terms have these meanings in this Policy:
   1. Diversity – the presence and integration of a variety of individuals with different personal characteristics, particularly Under-Represented Groups, in a group or organization.
   2. Inclusion – acceptance of individuals with diverse personal characteristics into a group or organization regardless of those characteristics.
   3. Equity – fairness afforded to individuals with diverse personal characteristics regardless of those characteristics.
   4. Under-Represented Groups – Under-Represented Groups include women, individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of colour (BIPOC), children in low income families, seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and members of the LGBTQ community.
   5. Reasonably – means that the club will make reasonable efforts without compromising the ability of the club as a whole to operate. Any inclusion of “will” is intended to be with reasonable efforts to achieve its goals.

Purpose

2. Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo (CTWP) is committed to encouraging diversity, equity and inclusion in its administration, policies, programs, and activities. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that the CTWP provides Under-Represented Groups with a full and equitable range of opportunities to participate and lead.

General

3. The AWPA will reasonably:
   1. Provide this Policy to staff and Directors and provide education on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion and what this entails in terms of practices, policies, procedures and norms of behavior
   2. Provide registration forms and other documents that allow:
      1. the individual to indicate their gender identity and expression, rather than their sex or gender;
      2. the individual to abstain from indicating a gender identity with no consequence to the individual;
      3. the individual to indicate their preferred pronoun; and
      4. the individual to indicate their preferred name
   3. Maintain organizational documents and the CTWP’s website in a manner that promotes inclusive language and images
   4. Refer to individuals by their preferred name and pronoun
   5. Work with Under-Represented Groups on the implementation, monitoring and/or modification of this Policy
   6. When the CTWP has the authority to determine participants’ use of washrooms, change rooms, and other facilities, the CTWP will respect the right of all participants to use the facilities that align with their gender identity
   7. Ensure uniforms and dress codes that respect an individual’s gender identity and gender expression
   8. Determine eligibility guidelines for individuals from all gender identities, per the Gender Identity Eligibility Guidelines
   9. Support inclusion, equity, and access for Under-Represented Groups
   10. Exercise influence with external agencies to encourage equity

Programming

4. Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo is committed to creating and supporting programs that address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in sport. For example, the CTWP will reasonably:
   1. Ensure that the achievement of equitable opportunities is a key consideration when developing, updating, or delivering the CTWP’s programs and policies
   2. Ensure that individuals from Under-Represented Groups have no barriers to participation in the CTWP’s programs, training, and coaching opportunities
   3. Create and support new programming that specifically addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion
   4. Monitor and evaluate the success of its diversity, equity, and inclusion programming
   5. Fund programs and services equitably
   6. Encourage Under-Represented Groups to act as role models for young participants
   7. Create special opportunities to advance the number and levels of women in coaching
   8. When planning educational sessions, consider a balance of presenters from all gender identities

Staff, Board of Directors, Committee Members

5. Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo will reasonably:
   1. Strive to achieve gender balance in the appointment of all committees, task forces and other decision-making or decision-influencing bodies, and in seeking nominations for and appointments to the Board
   2. Include gender equity as a stated value that is accepted and promoted on nominating and selection committees
   3. Ensure equal opportunities exist for all staff to receive professional development to move towards senior levels of decision-making
   4. Develop, update and deliver all policies, programs and services ensuring the concerns and needs of Under-Represented Groups are identified, promoted and supported
   5. Deal with any incidence of discriminatory behavior according to the Code of Conduct and Ethics and Discipline and Complaints Policy

Media Relations

6. Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo will reasonably:
   1. Strive to ensure that Under-Represented Groups are portrayed equitably in promotional materials and official publications, and that gender-neutral language is used in all communication
   2. Produce all written and visual materials in a gender-inclusive manner
   3. Develop a communication plan that strives to give media visibility to Under-Represented Groups
   4. Use gender-appropriate or gender-neutral language and positive, active visuals in all publications, graphics, videos, posters and on websites

Human Resource Management

7. As part of its commitment to the use of equitable human resource management practices, Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo will reasonably:
   1. Adopt, when possible, work practices such as flex-time, job-sharing and home-based offices
   2. Provide a physically accessible workplace environment
   3. Ensure a non-smoking environment
   4. Use non-discriminatory interview techniques
   5. Provide opportunities for all staff to advance to senior decision-making levels and receive equitable remuneration
   6. Publicly declare the CTWP to be an equal opportunity employer and respect and implement the principle of pay equity in relation to salaried and contract employees
   7. When appropriate, make available access to Employee Assistance counseling

Ongoing Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

8. Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo resolves to continue to incorporate inclusion, diversity, and equity matters in its strategies, plans, actions, and operations; including technical programs, business management, sponsorship, marketing, media and communications.

Evaluation

9. Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo will continually monitor and evaluate its inclusion, equity, and diversity progress.