Attracting, Training, Retaining and Growing a Diverse Aquatic Team Dive Into Diversity Attracting, Training, Retaining and Growing a Diverse Aquatic Team

Multiple Connections Icebreaker Caboodle Cards in center of your table. Focus on the NAME that appears on the left of the card. Find connections/commonalities you have with others at your table. Keep in mind: often the obvious idea prevents us from thinking creatively

Welcome to the FRESH COAST – Milwaukee, WI Not so impressive superlatives #1 in nation for racial segregation Ranked #1 by Huffington Post as “Worst City for Black Americans” Benefits of Diversity Role models to community members Staff experience personal and professional growth Customer Service improvements

Attracting Potential Team Members Programming that reaches all regions of your community. Campaign to KEEP kids in swim lessons: “5 to stay Alive” Level One swim does very well and declines each level after Promote swim lesson kids to swim teams. Bridge the gap between lesson age youth and teens Training programs in High Schools Make connections with P.E. staff members Can a LG course be added to the school day? Collaborate with HS swim coaches Assistant coach to offer lessons before/after/during practice

Training a Diverse Staff Identify the obstacles Poverty, transportation, access to pool and technology Overcome the obstacles Scholarship oppoutunities Training at multiple locations Training as part of the school day and/or after-school program Training more than once? Refund policy reflects program needs

Retaining Staff Outstanding Work Performance – keep it positive An appreciated employee will do more! Perform better. Flexible scheduling Sub policies Team building activities Promotion opportunities Mixed in-servicing – demonstrate respect for all roles

Growing the Staff Promotion from within Aqua-Fit classes LG  WSI  LGI  Leadership/Pool Manager 10/12 Pool Managers in MPS are “home grown” Diverse staff reflect the communities they serve Bilingual Careful not to create islands Pool Manager SWAP days City-Wide Pool Manager meetings Aqua-Fit classes Partner with corporate wellness initiatives. Recruit eager participants to become part-time team members.

Postcard Write yourself a card home 1 thing you want to investigate when you get home 1 strategy you want to utilize this year