In the sixth and last article of our PLUSS project series, we reflect on the strides Pan Idræt Danmark has made in implementing its 2024-25 strategic plan. As part of the Erasmus+ project LGBTQI+ Policy and Leadership in Sport and Society, we have seen remarkable progress across advocacy, membership, governance, and events. This article highlights our accomplishments so far and outlines the next steps on our journey toward building a more inclusive sports community for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Denmark.
Advocacy: Expanding Our Reach
A key milestone in 2024 was the formal establishment of Pan Idræt Danmark, merging Pan Idræt Copenhagen and Pan Idræt Frederiksberg into a united national sports organization. This new entity is designed to strengthen advocacy and coordination across Denmark’s LGBTQIA+ sports landscape. One of the most exciting developments came when Pan Idræt was honored as the Community Organisation of the Year at the Danish Rainbow Awards. This recognition highlights our growing influence and success in fostering inclusion within the broader Danish community.
In addition to this honor, we made significant strides in expanding our reach beyond the capital. After passionate discussions with LGBTQ+ Sønderborg, we are thrilled to announce the first Pan Idræt club outside Copenhagen. The groundwork has already begun, with a public meeting planned for January 2025 to engage the local community and further expand Pan Idræt’s impact.
Our ambition to influence policy also reached new heights with the successful launch of a high-level conference on November 14, 2024. This event brought together key figures such as the Minister for Equality, parliamentarians, city councilors, and representatives from several civil society organizations. This gathering was instrumental in placing LGBTQIA+ inclusion firmly on the political agenda, ensuring that equality in sports and health remains a priority for Danish authorities.
Membership: Building a Stronger Community
In early 2024, Pan Idræt introduced a new membership system with the goal of modernizing our registration and engagement processes. Unfortunately, the initial system faced several technical challenges, causing delays and financial strain. Recognizing these setbacks, we swiftly replaced the faulty system with a more reliable solution that has already begun to show positive results.
Despite these initial hurdles, the new monthly membership model and reduced fee options have contributed to an influx of new, younger members, as well as individuals from lower-income backgrounds. These changes have made it easier for a broader range of people to engage with our community, helping to foster a more inclusive environment. While the membership goals for 2024 may not be fully realized, the groundwork has been laid for strong membership growth in 2025.
Good Governance: Ensuring Safety and Inclusion
In 2024, we introduced a robust Code of Conduct and Anti-Discrimination policy to ensure that our values of safety, respect, and inclusivity are upheld within our community. This policy outlines the expected behavior of our members and provides clear procedures for addressing any breaches of conduct. Alongside the Code of Conduct, we also updated our bylaws to specify the process for member exclusions in cases of violations, enhancing transparency and accountability.
As part of our ongoing commitment to good governance, these policies were reviewed and confirmed as valid during our annual review process. All club policies, including the Code of Conduct, are available on our website in both Danish and English to ensure complete transparency for all members.
Events: Elevating Experiences and Securing Support
One of the most successful initiatives of 2024 was the development of a new sponsorship concept aimed at securing partnerships with larger companies and their LGBTQ+ employee networks. By ensuring alignment between corporate values and Pan Idræt’s mission, we were able to forge sponsorship agreements with some of Denmark’s largest companies.
This strategic approach has significantly boosted our sponsorship income, providing the financial stability needed to support the growth of our events and activities. The success of our sponsorship program has helped offset the financial challenges caused by the initial membership system issues, demonstrating Pan Idræt’s resilience and commitment to its mission.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As we continue to implement the 2024-25 strategic plan, Pan Idræt is making exciting progress in nearly every area. While the initial membership system challenges delayed some of our growth targets for 2024, our quick adaptation and the success of our sponsorship strategy have helped us regain momentum.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the potential for further growth and expansion. With continued collaboration among members, partners, and policymakers, Pan Idræt is poised to make significant strides in fostering a healthier, more inclusive sports community in Denmark for all individuals under the rainbow.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to build on this momentum and fulfill our vision for 2025!
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