October 2018 - Parks & Recreation - 64

GENDER-SPECTRUM INCLUSION

True community building
needs to come from the entire
recreation department, because
lasting connections are
developed through daily human
interactions.
include a variety of gender expressions in our activity guides
and advertising materials and on
our web pages. Also, we can actively get information about our
programs and job openings out to
the gender nonconforming community through direct marketing.
One of the easiest ways to
demonstrate an atmosphere of
inclusion is to make your registration process welcoming. This can
be done by adding a third " other "
option on registration forms where
participants are asked to check
male or female. As earlier men-

Parks & Recreation

tioned, restrooms are another area
where an atmosphere of inclusion
can be demonstrated. While creating single-stall, gender-neutral restrooms in our parks and facilities
takes a bit of work, it can have a
major impact. Gender-neutral restrooms are the epitome of social
justice, as they provided gender
nonconforming individuals with
the privilege most of us take for
granted: using a restroom without
fear of harassment.

It's About Training
True community building needs to
come from the entire recreation department, because lasting connections are developed through daily
human interactions. Once you put
the outreach in place, staff can be
taught to promote inclusion and
deepen community ties.
Unfortunate incidents, like the
soccer game mentioned in the accompanying " It's About Identity "

| O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

sidebar on page 63, can be avoided by adding some simple education points to staff and coach
trainings. Taking 1-2 minutes in
preseason training can help prepare coaches and refs to handle
sensitive situations. Create a segment of trainings that includes
these five components:
1. Gender nonconforming people
exist, and they are welcome to
participate in our programs.
2. Players, parents and coaches are
to be trusted when declaring the
gender of their players and participants.
3. At a recreation level, there is no
need for DNA testing or debate
- all people play on the team
that matches their identity.
4. Any questions or objections need
to be brought through the [insert
title of recreation professionals here]
office, and not debated during
games.
5. All program participants and
community members deserve
our respect.
Similar educational notes can
be included in trainings for afterschool and camp staff. Staff who
work with children should always
be on the lookout for bullying
but should also be aware of the
increase in statistical likelihood
for those who are gender nonconforming. Encourage an open dialogue between staff and families
to help navigate potential issues
and challenges.
Acceptance of gender inclusion can also be incorporated into
your recreation programs, including preschools and youth classes.
Remind staff that toys, including
dress-up clothes, are not gender
specific and all children should
feel comfortable experimenting
with a variety. Even your customer service team will benefit

October 2018 - Parks & Recreation

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