With the growing number of women participating in triathlon, Tara Comer, Chair of the USA Triathlon (USAT) Women’s Committee notes that it’s essential to make sure females are equally represented in triathlon leadership and governance.
Comer said, “Having been at the helm of the USA Triathlon Women’s Committee the past six months I’m pleased to share that we have a dedicated group of women leaders working diligently to achieve our goals such as encouraging more women to become involved in the regional, national and international associations that govern the sport.”
She continued to point out that change does not happen overnight. Yet, the USAT Women’s Committee hit the ground running this spring and is currently building on the progress made under the past chairperson, Awilda Harrington. Last week the committee launched its ‘Share Your Strength’ campaign to increase awareness and inspire women to take on leadership roles in governance.
Current Women’s Committee activities:
- Reach out to women one-on-one. The USAT Women’s Committee will have a table/booth at the upcoming USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Milwaukee. At this event, it will help celebrate athlete accomplishments and share experiences. Several members of the Women’s Committee will be on hand and the committee wants to hear from women in triathlon, to determine what topics or issues are most important to female triathletes.
- Promote upcoming election opportunities. Women leaders contribute a unique perspective; and collective and diverse voices are essential. Information will be on available in Milwaukee about the upcoming elections for the USA Triathlon Advisory Board, Regional Councils and Committees.
- Communicate to and support women leaders via media platforms. The USAT Women’s Committee is using various media platforms such as the web, social media and print to encourage and promote both current and future women leaders. To show support and stay in the loop, athletes can join the Facebook community and ‘Like’ the Facebook page. This is updated regularly with training tips (by women), election information (pertaining to women) and grant opportunities (benefiting women).
- Build relationships and develop avenues. The Women’s Committee – represented by a diverse group of women with varied triathlon experience – is building relationships with local and regional leaders. Together it is creating a network of avenues to support and inspire women who want to serve at the regional, national and international level. Female triathletes are encouraged to reach out to any of the committee members with any questions.
Athletes and the wider tri community can support female triathletes by ‘sharing your strength and getting involved in the governance of our sport or share the love and spreading the word about our work to your sporting networks.’
The USA Triathlon Women’s Committee is focused on creating a resource for female athletes of all levels and socio-economic backgrounds by mentoring professional growth for women in the sport of triathlon. The Women’s Committee is concentrating on the quality of training as well as opportunities available for women in positions of authority and decision – within associations that govern the sport. The USAT Women’s Committee is a national committee of women from all over the US with a variety of professions and diverse levels of participation in triathlon.
www.usatriathlon.org/about-usat/committees/womens-committee
www.usatriathlon.org
