CEVA · #VolleyTheChange
Belonging starts with us.
A welcoming volleyball community takes care, listening, and everyday action. Explore the purpose behind CEVA’s #VolleyTheChange initiative and the values we can put into practice together.
Find your way to get involvedWhat belonging looks like
Small choices shape the experience of every athlete, family, coach, and official. Use these practices as a starting point for your team.
Respect each person
Use the name someone asks you to use. Avoid assumptions about their identity, family, background, or ability.
Notice barriers
Consider cost, transportation, communication, and access to facilities. Ask what would make participation easier.
Listen and follow through
Invite feedback, take concerns seriously, and agree on a practical next step. Make space for quieter voices, too.
A movement built by members
#VolleyTheChange began with a CEVA round-table discussion on April 16, 2018. A membership survey and working group followed, creating a foundation for ongoing work on diversity and inclusion.
The working group became a standing committee in CEVA’s administrative structure. Lisa Howard contributed the #VolleyTheChange name.
Ask about the Diversity & Inclusion CommitteeStatement of Transgender Equity
CEVA’s published statement is reproduced below.
The Columbia Empire Volleyball Association believes everybody should be treated with dignity and respect. CEVA maintains this statement to both facilitate and encourage the participation of transgender, gender non-binary, and intersex individuals in our events.
CEVA prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.
Our organization will stand with the many who identify as transgender, gender non-binary, or intersex. While we recognize certain policies must be followed pertaining to competition in our sport, we also fundamentally oppose any regulations that invade on the privacy rights of those who identify as transgender, gender non-binary, or intersex. We also recognize, and appreciate, that gender identity is not a simple matter for many.
Teammates, coaches, and staff should refer to transgender, gender non-binary, and intersex individuals by their preferred name. Additionally, pronoun references should reflect the person’s gender or pronoun preferences.
Transgender, gender non-binary, and intersex people make up our families, our friends, our team members, our coaches, our club directors, and so many others who are the fabric of what CEVA is.
Anybody who wants to be part of our events will be welcomed. CEVA recognizes that a diverse and inclusive culture must be at the heart of who and what we are. We, as an organization, will remain at the forefront of this cause.
Put the principles into practice
Choose a next step that helps your team.
Take action
Join the conversation, support your club, or volunteer in your community.
Explore involvementBuild understanding
Find learning resources and a short discussion you can use with your team.
Explore educationFind support
Get help with concerns, access to volleyball, and inclusive team culture.
Explore resources
