Inclusion and Belonging | Junior Volleyball Association

JVA is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging that supports and celebrates our full range of identities allowing every player, coach and director to show up authentically.

The role of a good coach is far greater than simply organizing practices and winning games. If volleyball is the only thing our players learn over the course of the season, then we’ve missed an opportunity to truly impact their lives. This 4 part series focuses on learning and teaching anti-racism. Each part includes an article, links to resources and activities that coaches can implement with their team(s).

Club Directors, Club Coaches and Junior Volleyball Educators can explore this series for resources, information, and activities to advance racial justice.

Part 1: The Power of Productive Conversations

Acknowledge the different backgrounds and perspectives that each athlete brings into the gym and show your players that you see them for who they are, that you value their whole selves, and that they will be respected and supported.

View Part 1

Part 2: Unpacking Social Justice Language

Social justice language spans an enormous range of concepts, experiences, and definitions and is constantly evolving. View resources and activities that can help you expand your personal lexicon of social justice language.

View Part 2

Part 3: Race & Activism in Athletics

Intersectionality helps us understand how each person’s different identities combine to create unique and different experiences of oppression and disadvantage.

View Part 3

Part 4: The Power of Athletics

Our power is our individual ability to influence the actions and attitudes of those in our circles and our collective ability to reshape our community into one that is safer, more fair, and more supportive for everyone.

View Part 4