sailing for everyone
means everyone.
Sail Chicago actively ensures that sailors feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging regardless of gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, class, age, or any other perceived difference.
Our committment
To improve our understanding and effectiveness, we must increase representation and the diversity of perspectives within Sail Chicago. We are grateful to the women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC advocates who have pushed us to do better. We have much more work to do — to welcome, listen, learn, and act — to make our organization more inclusive and effective through partnership and action. We view the diversity of our members as an asset and strive to create and sustain a culturally competent organization that reflects the Chicagoland community.
How do we do this?
With strong support from the Sail Chicago member community, the Board of Directors formalized our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and created the DE&I Committee in 2020. Composed of a range of members and Board representatives, the committee works to implement DE&I initiatives and strategies.
Completed initiatives:
Surveyed members for baseline Diversity, Equity & Inclusion metrics
Designated two Board members as DE&I contacts for questions or concerns from the membership
Changed the name of Sail Chicago's monthly newsletter to be more inclusive
Updated the Mission Statement to incorporate DE&I values
Created a new election process to promote more open and transparent Board elections
Ongoing initiatives:
Community Cruise Outings (CCOs) as an outreach program to communities underrepresented in sailing
Implementing the new election process on an ongoing basis to promote more open and transparent Board elections
Crew Class Scholarship program
where are we now
Our member survey in 2020 provided a look at the demographics of Sail Chicago.
Gender
Male: 86%
Female: 14%
Race
White: 87%
Black: 4.5%
Asian: 4.5%
Hispanic/Latinx: 1.5%
Other: 2.5%
Age
25–34: 9%
35–44: 17%
45–54: 14%
55–64: 24%
65+: 36%
For all respondents, 10.4% identify as LGBTQIA+ and 15.6% report a disability
Learn about diversity in sailing
US Sailing - Diversity & Inclusion
Rainbow Races (Chicago)
Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program (Chicago)
Jackson Park Yacht Club's "Diversity Call to Action for Chicago Boaters"
Please feel free to reach out to us If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to report any harassment or discriminatory behavior related to Sail Chicago activities, or if you would like to learn more about any of DE&I initiatives, including if you represent or participate in a group that would be interested in our Community Cruise Outing program.