2012 Ontario Coaches Conference
What Did You Just Say? Dealing with Diversity in Sport Workshop
Saturday February 25, 1:45– 3:15pm

Where: Hilton Suites, 8500 Warden Ave, Markham, Ontario

Description: When does team banter and trash talk cross the line between friendly rivalry and hurtful discrimination? Why is it that some banter and trash talk seems to be acceptable, e.g., calling someone a name, but other discriminatory slurs, e.g., those along racial lines, aren’t? What are the elephants in the room around diversity – what are we not yet comfortable talking about and addressing as coaches? When we do see behavior that is not welcoming, what options or strategies can we use to respond? Are there systemic rules, practices or policies in our sport that act as barriers to diversity? To explore these questions, join Greg Henhawk and Jennifer Birch-Jones, both excellent and engaging story tellers / facilitators with significant experience in dealing with diversity in sport for an unforgettable interactive session.

For more information, visit: http://www.cvent.com/events/2012-ontario-coaches-conference/event-summary-56bdc10ced80426c8cd05dfe6a82cf52.aspx

Sport 4 Ontario
Addressing Homophobia in Sport: Making it Better Workshop
Monday, January 23, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (ET)

Where: 3 Concorde Gate, Toronto, ON - Boardrooms 3/4

Light refreshments will be served.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Ted Gendron at 416-426-7310, tgendron@sport4ontario.ca or visit http://sport4ontario-homophobia-in-sport.eventbrite.ca/

Addressing Homophobia in Sport Workshops
January 11 & 12, 2012
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC

What – A half day workshop addressing issues around sexual diversity in sport that will allow sport leaders to better understand the issues around homophobia in sport and what they can and should be doing as organizations to make sport more welcoming to sexual diversity.

Building on the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity’s (CAAWS) discussion paper “Seeing the Invisible, Speaking about the Unspoken; Addressing Homophobia in Sport”, this interactive workshop is based on the latest research and best practices. It will provide coaches and other sport leaders with the opportunity to really understand what ‘homophobia’ is, how it can hurt your organization’s athletes, coaches, officials and other participants regardless of their sexual orientation. From understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and two-spirited (LGBT) language to dealing with sensitive issues such as same-sex relationships amongst teammates, the session allows for an open and honest conversation about homophobia and the important role coaches and other sport leaders can play in making sport more accepting of sexual diversity.

Who – The half-day workshop is specifically targeted at sport leaders (NSOs, PSOs, CSCs, universities, leagues and clubs) and will be led by Master Facilitator Jennifer Birch-Jones, the CAAWS Program Lead for Addressing Homophobia in Sport. Jennifer has an extensive background in sport both in Canada and internationally, and has successfully delivered this workshop to a wide range of sport leaders across Canada.

Addressing Homophobia in Sport Workshop
January 9, 2012, 12.30 – 4
Location: Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, Victoria BC

For more information on hosting and/or to book your addressing homophobia in sport workshop, please contact Laura Kelly, CAAWS Marketing and Project Manager, at 613.562.5667 or via email at lkelly@caaws.ca.