The Western Bulldogs has stepped up its commitment to being a truly inclusive organisation, with the launch of its inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).
The Club has long prided itself on the way it represents and includes its members, fans and the community, with the DIAP formalising its dedication to the space.
For many years, the Bulldogs have led the way through its Community Foundation programs including Daughters of the West, CALDplay, Nallei Jerring and the GOAL mentoring program.
The Boards of both the Club and the Community Foundation have at least 50% female representation, and the Club was a pioneer of elite women’s football, culminating in the creation of the AFLW competition.
The Club is a strong advocate for Indigenous affairs through its Reconciliation Action Plan, has launched its own African Action Plan, and has an official Pride Supporter Group (Bulldog Pride).
The Bulldogs have also established a set of internal guiding principles for the entire club, which encourage inclusivity and diversity.
The DIAP will concentrate its efforts on four key areas - Gender Equity, LGBTQI+, Multicultural and People with Disability.
The Plan includes 39 action items covering pillars relating to governance and strategy, access and facilities, football, education and training and communications and events, to be completed over a three-year period from 2022-2024.
“As a Club, we recognise the broad and influential platform we have and embrace our responsibility to promote inclusivity and diversity,” said Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains.
“We seek to empower and include all people, regardless of their gender, race, faith, sexual orientation or ability.
“We have always strived to be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity.
“We aim to be courageous, compassionate, and kind, while finding opportunities to learn and grow.
“We are committed to continuing on our journey of celebrating differences and learning from our incredible communities, to jointly create a better future.”
The Club will continue to celebrate key events and milestones throughout 2022, including:
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- Harmony Week (March 21-27)
- Ramadan (April 2-May 1)
- IDAHOBIT Day - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (May 17)
- Refugee Week (June 19-25)
- NAIDOC Week (July 3-10)
- R U Ok? Day (September 9)
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2022 (November 25)
- International Day of People with Disability (December 3)
- Human Rights Day (December 10)
VIEW THE WESTERN BULLDOGS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ACTION PLAN
