By Sigrid Pilgrim, Director
The question has been raised how IPC could support increasing inclusiveness of minorities in the sport.
I do not have the answer, so I asked Tim Mondl from the Forest Preserves of Cook County to share with you about their paddling programs involving inner city schools and other organizations. Read his article elsewhere in the newsletter.
In the fourteen years that I organized the Evanston Pool Session for CWA, I cannot remember having had a Black student in the class. In the twelve years I chaired Paddling in the Park, we twice hosted a group of Wards of the State (mostly minorities) to participate in our Kids Paddling Playground sponsored by the Lincoln Park Boat Club. I can still see the big smiles on the kids’ faces once they overcame the initial apprehension about being in the boat – and – getting a little too brave, until the inevitable tip-over, which quickly extinguished all bravery.
So how can we increase minority participation in our sport? Perhaps best by supporting with time and money those organizations that have it as their mission to do so. Participation in paddlesport is expensive as we all know, even second or third hand equipment eventually adds up to what is better spent on food or rent. Then there is the issue of how to get to the place to paddle, which for youngsters, requires a parent to get involved. And….two or three low paying jobs don’t really allow for this either.
So please – support the following organizations – and there may be others, too.
FOREST PRESERVE FOUNDATION – www.forestpreservefoundation.org
CHICAGO ADVENTURE THERAPY – www.chicagoadventuretherapy.org
CHICAGO VOYAGERS – www.chicagovoyagers.org
MELANIN BASE CAMP – www.melaninbasecamp.com