Equity, in its simplest terms as it relates to racial and social justice, means meeting communities where they are and allocating resources and opportunities as needed to create equal outcomes for all community members. (United Way)
An Equity approach MATTERS because it recognizes each person has different circumstances and needs, meaning different groups of people need different resources and opportunities in order to thrive.
The Purpose of PCA’s Sports Equity Initiative’s work is to unlock the power of sports for every child by working to eliminate the barriers to participation experienced by kids in low-income communities across the country, so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience.
When PCA says equity, we’re talking about not just equal access, but equal outcomes for kids living in low-income communities in youth sports. Our goal is to see equal outcomes in measures such as (but not limited to):
- Access- equal opportunities to take the field, court, pool, etc.
- Retention- long-term participation
- Fulfillment- youth feel their participation has been a positive one
Though “equity” and “equality” are often used interchangeably, they serve different roles. Equality emphasizes access—like getting into college, finding housing, or joining youth sports. However, just ensuring equal access doesn't necessarily address deeper disparities. True equity delves deeper, targeting not just access, but also ensuring fair outcomes for all involved.