Pacific Northwest Swimming

 

PNS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Pacific Northwest Swimming is a leader amongst USA Swimming when it comes to supporting swimmers regardless of race, income, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation. Providing an open, safe and welcoming environment is a priority for all of our coaches, athletes and officials. We not only want to create an environment where all swimmers are welcome to participate, we want our environment to feel welcoming to all.

 

CONNECT WITH US

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT PNS DEI RESOURCES:

  • Programs Offered

  • DEI Committee Information

  • USA Swimming DEI Resources

  • Diversity in Aquatics

 

Programs Offered 

In order to accomplish the PNS vision of “Achieving Excellence While Fostering Growth,” it is imperative that Pacific Northwest Swimming promotes equal access to training resources and competition opportunities to all athletes, regardless of their individual means. Since PNS recognizes that national and international success in swimming depends on access to substantial resources, Pacific Northwest Swimming has created a process and funding mechanism that provides swimmers of limited means with additional club and LSC resources.

 

IN NEED OF NEW GEAR?

For Outreach Members:
Looking for some more suits, clothing, or gear for the new season? The PNS athlete reps have compiled over 150 new and gently used items that can be shipped out to you for free. Check out the items here:   https://pns-outreach-gear.square.site/
 

Support for Economic Diversity

Learn more about PNS's processes and resources to encourage more economical diversity in our clubs by clicking the link above, which includes information on the following topics.

  • Outreach Membership

  • Meet Entry Fee Offsets (Meet Entry Vouchers)

  • Training Offsets (Team Training Support)

Support for LGBTQ+ PNS Members

Pacific Northwest Swimming is a leader amongst USA Swimming when it comes to supporting swimmers regardless of race, income, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation. Providing an open, safe and welcoming environment for gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender and genderqueer athletes is a natural continuation of such support for our athletes, and we take it seriously.

 

LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES

 

Swimmers with a Disability

Learn more about PNS's Disability Swimming committee and their work by clicking the link above. 

 

In addition, Shadow Seals is a registered PNS club in the Greater Seattle area specifically dedicated to providing swimmers with a disability the competitive team environment, culture, coaching, training and competitive opportunities to achieve both athletic and personal success. Please visit their site to learn more about swimming with the Shadow Seals.




 

Committee Information

PNS DEI Chair: Barbara Weist ([email protected])

 

PNS DEI Voting Committee Members:

  • Vice-Chair: 

  • At-Large:

    • Audra Messegee-Evans (non-athlete)

    • Kiki VanZandt (non-athlete)

    • Rishita Bhattarchajee (athlete)

    • Carlene Takaki (non-athlete)

    • Barbara Weist (non-athlete)

    • Mia Abrigo (athlete)

  • Athlete Members:

    • Ellie Wang (athlete)

    • Robbie Nakuda (athlete)

 

PNS DEI Non-Voting Committee Members:

  • Piper Weist (athlete)

 

PNS DEI Vice Chair Job Description
PNS DEI Committee Policy

 

USA Swimming

USA Swimming is committed to increasing multicultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity at all levels of the sport to achieve and foster an inclusive swimming environment.

 

Mission Statement: To create a culture of inclusion and opportunity for all.

 

USA Swimming Contacts

Western Zone Contacts

 

USA Swimming DEI Page

Article 304.3.2 - USA Swimming's Code of Conduct (page 94 - 2020 Rule book)
Discrimination in violation of the Amateur Sports Act which requires that USA Swimming must provide an equal opportunity to athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators, and officials to participate in the sport of swimming. Athletes must be allowed to participate and compete to the fullest extent allowed by the Rules and Regulations. Discrimination against any member or participant on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetics, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable, is prohibited.

USA Swimming recommended Style Guides for Teams & Coaches:

  • Diversity Style Guide
    The Diversity Style Guide is a resource to help journalists and other media professionals cover a complex, multicultural world with accuracy, authority and sensitivity. 

  • Disability Language Style Guide
    The guide was developed by the National Center on Disability and Journalism at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

  • Associated Press Stylebook
    AP Stylebook is a must-have reference for writers, editors, students and professionals.
     

 

 

Diversity In Aquatics

Miriam Lynch, Executive Director [email protected]

www.diversityinaquatics.org

Instagram: @diversityinaquatics

 

Mission: To increase the knowledge and awareness of water safety and drowning prevention, and aquatic physical activities in historically underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations.