At UCLBC we welcome athletes of all experiences; from those who’ve never touched a boat in their life to those who’ve rowed since before they could walk. We believe it’s important to make the most of university and so encourage not only the physical side of the training but also offer great social opportunities to enjoy all aspects of student life. Rowing is a greatly exciting sport and community and we’d love to have you join us!
Supported by
UCLBC Inclusion and Diversity Statement
We recognise that rowing has been a part of maintaining and promoting structures that are systemically racist and classist and that, at times, UCLBC has not been an inclusive space – we apologise unreservedly to our members, those who were put off from learning to row and our alumni, for this.
We apologise for our lack of previous response to the historic and current issues around racism, and only now recognising and acting on the need for urgent and fundamental changes to our systems in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
UCLBC is committed to overcoming the issues of lack of inclusivity in our club: an issue that is sadly not uncommon within the sport. We are putting in place proactive steps to change this:
-
- We are actively promoting to a wide range of minority cultural societies to give more people the opportunity to learn to row;
- We are emailing club members and coaches with the steps we are taking to create an inclusive environment, and taking feedback from them;
- We are committed to guiding members to access funding and support, to make rowing more affordable;
- Building on the committee’s previous donations, we are establishing an inclusivity fund, and pledging half of the money raised during our row-a-thon to support our members by subsidising membership, kit and race tickets etc.;
- Re-examining the systems in place for rowers to report prejudicial and racist incidents, and building a zero-tolerance culture to racism and xenophobia;
- Ensuring the committee members all complete bystander training and all committee members and coaches complete unconscious bias training to help us become better team leaders;
- We are working to make our sport, our socials and community more open, and ensuring they are accessible to all members;
- By partnering with Love Rowing, we are hoping to support a greater effort to increase the inclusivity of rowing and are aiming for a sustainable relationship that builds year on year;
- As part of BR & an established charity, Love Rowing is a role model & can provide guidance on future projects on increasing inclusivity & outreach through volunteering & fundraising;
- We will be having regular reflections on our progress and are always open to feedback to change and improve.
We want to see these conversations and actions lead to a change in the culture of the club for the better. We want to continue to be strong in standing for affirmative actions on inclusivity, diversity and holding ourselves accountable and continuing to educate ourselves and our members.
The committee is excited and committed to making a change and building on our work and want to stress that this is a change we want to live – and last – as a whole rowing club community.
Your 2020-21 Committee
September 2020
University College London Boat Club 