EGLSF welcomes the first in a series of articles around the PLUSS project, in collaboration with project partners. This piece delves into the impactful work of Out For The Win, a Flemish non-profit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive and accessible sports for everyone.
As Out For The Win secured project funding, the organization experienced rapid growth that exceeded the capacity of its volunteer base. The demand for services outstripped available volunteers, and there was a need for a structured framework to onboard new team members effectively. Consequently, the board faced challenges in creating this framework while also managing new commissions.
Recognizing the need for structural changes to meet emerging demands, Out For The Win developed a strategy document focusing on good governance. This initiative prioritizes the professionalization of organizational structures and workflows, aimed at establishing Out For The Win as a sustainable and impactful force against discrimination of LGBTQIA+ individuals in sports.
Key Pillars of the Strategy Document: Good Governance as a FoundationYour Content Goes Here
In the short term, the organization aims to lay a solid foundation for long-term development, avoiding further ad hoc actions. Each action outlined in the strategy serves as a stepping stone toward more comprehensive initiatives. This includes the development of essential policies such as staff and volunteer guidelines, as well as communication and onboarding documents to streamline volunteer integration.
Storytelling as a Gateway to Inclusion
At the heart of Out For The Win lies the voices of LGBTQIA+ athletes. They are the central focus of the organization's initiatives and are represented in all activities. By amplifying their stories, Out For The Win fosters inclusion and understanding. Personal experiences serve as the foundation for visibility campaigns, educational efforts, and advocacy work.
For instance, the organization is planning a large-scale survey to assess the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals in sports. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ athletes are featured as speakers at events and workshops, while their stories are shared online, connecting them with coaches and local sports clubs. This storytelling approach helps challenge stereotypes and fosters understanding, particularly regarding the participation of transgender and non-binary individuals in sports.
Educational Initiatives to Support Storytelling
In recent months, Out For The Win has dedicated significant resources to developing a robust educational program, transitioning from ad hoc initiatives to a more structured approach. This has resulted in a modular educational curriculum tailored to the specific needs of sports organizations.
For each inquiry received, Out For The Win conducts an intake to identify the challenges faced by organizations. Based on this information and budget considerations, a customized selection of workshops is created, covering topics ranging from inclusive communication to logistics and policy development. Each trajectory includes an introductory session followed by a follow-up meeting to reinforce learning.
Through this approach, Out For The Win aims to better support sports organizations in their efforts toward inclusion. The strategy will guide the implementation and rollout of this new educational program.
Looking to Create a Bigger Impact
A crucial component of the strategy document is enhancing the organization's impact. In 2024, Out For The Win aims to educate at least eight sports federations through workshops, focus groups, and in-person meetings. Feedback from participating federations indicates the value of gaining insights into diverse target groups and recognizing the importance of addressing individual differences and needs in discussions about LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports.
Some Flemish federations encompass over 80 clubs, while others, like football, have significant visibility, amplifying the organization's influence. Collaboration with coaches to organize sports weekends further extends Out For The Win's reach, as these coaches share their experiences within their own clubs, multiplying the impact of their initiatives.
Building strong networks within both mainstream sports and the LGBTQIA+ community is a key focus of the strategy. Such networks will facilitate knowledge sharing and provide access to new communities, organizations, and resources. Collaborations are vital for establishing legitimacy and credibility within the Flemish sports landscape.
The organization believes that improvements in governance will also lead to increased participation and volunteer engagement.
To ensure ongoing development, the strategy includes measures for monitoring implementation and impact, with the board meeting monthly to discuss activities, challenges, and outcomes.
Enhancing Safe(r) Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Central to Out For The Win's mission is the creation of safe(r) spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals to engage in sports. While the organization focuses on educating mainstream sports organizations, it is committed to continuous improvement. To this end, Out For The Win will strengthen its code of conduct, integrating it more prominently into activities and registration processes to ensure that every participant, coach, and volunteer is aware of it.
Shared Responsibility for Inclusion in Sports
As LGBTQIA+ topics gain visibility in broader society, it is essential for the sports sector to evolve as well. However, this transformation can be challenging due to entrenched traditions and a focus on physical appearance in sports. Given that Flemish youth have shown some conservative trends regarding LGBTQIA+ topics, despite Belgium's strong legal framework, the organization acknowledges potential future challenges.
Out For The Win is committed to developing as a resilient organization, guided by the principles outlined in this strategy document.
The non-profit invites everyone interested in supporting its mission to get involved, whether by sharing online posts and events, volunteering, or participating in activities. Each form of engagement is welcomed and appreciated.
About Out For The Win
Out For The Win is a Flemish non-profit organization committed to creating accessible, safe, and attractive sports opportunities for all, regardless of body, gender, or sexuality. To achieve this mission, the organization focuses on three key pillars: storytelling, advocacy, and education, while also organizing its own sporting activities.
Founded in 2016 primarily as an online blog, Out For The Win was born from the founders' recognition of the insufficient visibility of LGBTQIA+ athletes and the lack of awareness surrounding the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and sports. Arlena Darragas and Sharon Buffel sought to address these issues, and thus, Out For The Win was established.
Since its inception, the organization has experienced significant growth. In 2018, it began professionalizing its operations by expanding its website to include a webshop and recruiting volunteers and ambassadors. The non-profit actively engaged in advocacy and visibility campaigns, making appearances at events such as Antwerp Pride and participating in expert groups.
In 2019, Out For The Win continued its advocacy efforts and took initial steps toward education and consultancy, further evolving into the organization we see today. The volunteer team expanded, and consistent project funding since 2020 has facilitated its development and growth.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Creating inclusive sports environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals is vital, and Out For The Win is dedicated to this cause. The organization continues its efforts to advocate for and support LGBTQIA+ athletes, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance in the sports community.
We encourage readers to engage with Out For The Win by participating in events, sharing their stories, or supporting the organization's initiatives. Together, we can create a more inclusive future in sports for all.
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