PDGA Commits To Increased Outreach to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Disc golf is an inclusive, accessible sport that thrives on community and camaraderie. It brings people together, and we need that now more than ever. The PDGA, as enshrined in its bylaws, is open to everyone without regard to race, age, religion, sexual orientation, color, marital status, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, or ancestry.

We also recognize that, by and large, the PDGA’s membership demographics skew heavily toward white men. While we have sought to change that by embarking on initiatives for women, funding international programs, emphasizing participation among juniors, and modernizing policies for members of LGBTQ communities, we can do more. Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), as well as members of populations who are otherwise underserved or disenfranchised, are not often enough emphasized in our outreach. 

It is our commitment as an association, then, to examine our biases and aim to not just be open and inclusive, but welcoming and affirming. 

The PDGA Board of Directors will schedule a strategic planning session to determine how to translate these words into action, with the goal of creating initiatives focused on BIPOC participation and outreach. Like all change of this scope, we know it will take time. Our staff and board members will actively engage BIPOC throughout this process to make sure that their voices are not only heard, but that they drive the conversation.

Finally, we ask our members to join us in this effort. We welcome and encourage your input and count on your support to effect measurable change. We must meet this moment together and grow as an organization and as a community.