What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging?
In July 2020, US Soccer formed a DEI Council as part of an effort to foster a culture of acceptance, inclusion, and respect within the sport of soccer. Mass Youth Soccer embraces US Soccer’s operating definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion:
DIVERSITY: the variety of personal experiences that forms ones values and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Such differences include race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
EQUITY: the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups.
INCLUSION: the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued. An inclusive climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions so that all people can fully participate and actively contribute.
BELONGING: belonging is more than just fitting in. Belonging is a feeling. True belonging means not having to change any part of who you are to feel welcome.
Land Acknowledgement
Mass Youth Soccer respectfully acknowledges that we are on traditional land of the Nipmuc and Agawam people. We recognize and celebrate the contribution of Indigenous peoples to sport.
How to do more:
- Learn more about the Indigenous Peoples' whose land you occupy: https://native-land.ca.
- View the DEIB webinar, presented by Melissa Yazzie of the Harvard University Indigenous Governance and Development at Harvard Kennedy School.
- Contribute financially: https://www.mcnaa.org/donate.
Resources:
DEIB at Mass Youth Soccer
Our committee is in the process of developing both short term and long term goals. We are committed to developing a work plan that 
has been thoughtfully prepared and contains goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.
Beyond this workplan and goals, Mass Youth Soccer has a number of existing programs committed to DEIB:
Ways to Get Involved
Sign the DEIB Covenant:
Confirm your philosophical commitment to this work and commit to taking action to make our sport diverse, equitable and inclusive. Click here to access the DEIB Covenant and sign electronically.
Meet the Committee
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Kayla McClellan (staff lead)
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Caryn Goulet (board)
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Tara Petricca (staff)
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Tamie Endow (staff)
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Sean Ndebele (board)
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Dana Santilli (board)
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Contact the Committee
Email us at: DEIB@mayouthsoccer.org