PLUSS: CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON GOVERNANCE

The capacity building workshop on governance was delivered by Team München, partner of the Erasmus+ Sport project  +PLUSS “LGBTQI+ Policy and Leadership in Sport and Society”, in Ljubljana (Slovenia) on February 16th-18h, 2024

Building Strong Foundations: Insights from the Governance Capacity Building Workshop by Team München

The Structure as a Foundation

Establishing a clear and effective governance structure is essential for any organization aiming for long-term success. A well-defined governance structure, led by a formally constituted decision-making body such as a Board or Committee, is crucial. This body must be empowered to make informed decisions and guide the organization towards its goals. Typically, the governance structure and decision-making processes are outlined in key documents like a Constitution, by-laws, or Articles of Association.

A strong governance framework serves as the bedrock for organizational development, growth, and sustainability. It ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders, aligning with the organization’s core values. Additionally, a robust governance structure instills confidence among both internal and external stakeholders, showcasing the organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness. It's also vital to ensure that your organization’s legal structure is well-suited to its current and future needs.

The Vital Role of People

An organization thrives when it embraces a diverse range of experiences, skills, and backgrounds among its members. A variety of perspectives leads to more effective decision-making, fosters independence, and encourages open, constructive debate. This diversity not only enhances the quality of decisions but also helps the organization to better understand and meet the needs of different groups within the community it serves.

Recruiting and engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds is a critical step in ensuring that the organization remains relevant and responsive to its community. By valuing the input of a wide range of voices, an organization can create an environment where all members feel included and respected.

The Power of Communication

Clear communication about an organization’s purpose, goals, management, and performance is essential. Transparency and accountability in governance build trust among stakeholders, both internal and external. Effective communication ensures that everyone involved understands the organization’s mission and how it is being achieved.

For a queer association like Team München, demonstrating how inclusion works in practice is particularly significant. Building bridges between the community and sports clubs and associations is a priority. Providing guidance on addressing discrimination in sports and offering support in building the necessary governance structures are key elements of their mission.

Inclusivity as a Success Factor

Inclusivity is not just a moral imperative; it’s a driver of success in governance. Embracing a transversal approach to governance—one that breaks down silos and encourages collaboration across sectors—ensures that all voices, including those from the LGBTIQ+ community, are heard and respected. By integrating inclusivity into governance practices, organizations can create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Leading by example is crucial in promoting inclusivity within LGBTIQ+ sports events and organizations. This involves actively involving community members in decision-making processes, creating safe and welcoming spaces, and implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusion. By doing so, these organizations set a powerful example for others in the sports community.

For transversal leadership to be effective, leaders and followers must recognize the limits of their mutual obligations and foster processes that encourage collaboration and learning. When faced with external challenges, stakeholders must come together laterally, forming informal links and multifunctional teams that can respond swiftly and effectively.

Conclusion

Inclusive governance is essential for fostering diversity, equality, and respect within sports organizations. By embedding inclusivity into governance structures, organizations can ensure that the needs and voices of all members, particularly those from marginalized communities, are heard and valued. This approach not only creates a more welcoming and supportive environment but also sets a positive example for others to follow. Ultimately, inclusive governance is key to building a more equitable and inclusive sports community for all.

For a deeper dive into the governance topics covered in the capacity-building workshop under the PLUSS project, including membership, advocacy, and event management, you can explore the digital presentation of the content. Each topic is linked to related articles for further reading.

The workshop on governance was delivered with the following facilitators:

André Wenzel - Team München,
Full time job: dentist. Board Member at Team München since 2016, Delegate to FGG and EGLSF since 2017, Organizer for basketball at EuroGames 2004, 2011 and 2023, Honorary Life Member at the Gay cultural and communication center, Sub in Munich since 2023

Anh Lê (she/her) - Team München,
Anh started managing the Team München women’s soccer team in 2018. Since 2021 she has been a part of the board. She was on the bidding team for the GayGames 2026 and is also supporting the bid for the Eurogames 2027. Anh is also a member of the Sports Advisory Board of the City of Munich, whose task is to advise and support the City of Munich in all fundamental questions of sport and to promote the interests of the clubs and the sporting population in the interests of sport.
She makes her living as an accounting manager at a 3D software company, specifically but not exclusively for the fashion industry.

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