NCAA student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans will show their support around social justice issues and cultural matters occurring on their campuses and in their communities when they participate in the annual Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign next week.
The campaign, which runs Tuesday through Thursday and is in its fourth year, provides a platform for college athletes and the athletics community to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion issues and to provide their thoughts on how to create more inclusive environments. Members of national and campus Student-Athlete Advisory Committees in Divisions I, II and III work with the NCAA office of inclusion and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee to support the planning and implementation of the campaign. All members of the athletics community are encouraged to participate.
A dedicated hashtag, #NCAAInclusion, will be used throughout the campaign on platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
"We're excited to work with NCAA student-athletes on this year's campaign," said Niya Blair Hackworth, NCAA director of inclusion. "The past year and a half has been challenging for student-athletes, but we've been able to continue supporting them through creative initiatives like this social media campaign. It's important that we provide platforms to voice support of diversity, equity and inclusion on their campuses and in their communities. We welcome all members of the athletic community to participate and share their thoughts."
Each day of the campaign features a dedicated theme to focus thoughts and ideas in social posts and videos. Additionally, athletics departments are encouraged to reference other supportive cultural events happening on their campuses around the three-day campaign for further emphasis on the importance of diversity and inclusion.
- Tuesday's theme is "My Voice, My Platform," where student-athletes will explore identities and perspectives and can talk about their different experiences around diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Wednesday's theme is "Championing Change," where individuals can outline personal and institutional action steps to achieve inclusive excellence.
- Thursday's theme is called "Belonging Is," and focuses on the definition of "belonging" and how individuals can foster communities within athletics where people feel seen, heard and valued.
"It has been great engaging with our national SAAC group on this year's campaign," said Abigail Edwards, NCAA inclusion postgraduate intern and one of the coordinators of the campaign. "We hope that student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans get involved, as social media is a great way to promote and support diversity, equity and inclusion, and learn what is happening on other campuses. We also hope individuals continue the conversation and supporting campus and community efforts even after the campaign ends."
The social media campaign is one of several initiatives that supports student-athlete activism and voice. The NCAA office of inclusion has created resources and programming that support student-athletes in using their platform for change, understanding and belonging. NCAA staff also will develop social content during the campaign focusing on the supportive voices in the membership that are championing diversity, equity and inclusion.