CHICAGO (April 6, 2021) – Today, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) formalized its equity, diversity and inclusion operations as transparent and measurable evidence of its stance as an unapologetically anti-racist and equitable organization. While some components have been in practice all along, a critical element is the formation and activation of the Equity Committee. Fourteen men and women from across NISA’s players, owners and staff will meet for the first time Monday, April 12, during the Legends Cup tournament in Chattanooga.
“NISA’s Equity Committee is designed to bring equal vocal and visual representation to people of color and women in our soccer ecosystem,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. "Along with NISA’s rapid growth as a league, we are refining how we operate. That includes a visible commitment as an anti-racist organization to equity, diversity and inclusion.”
NISA intends to use the work of the committee to create a more equitable and welcoming atmosphere across NISA operations and events. Members of the Equity Committee include:
The first agenda will focus on introductions and committee objectives, including initial tactics, reviewing definitions, and reviewing the EDI statement introduced at the 2020 Fall Championship Tournament in Detroit. Insights from the Committee will be used to:
“When we announced our intention at our 2020 Fall Championship, we also asked everyone – players, staff, supporters – to hold us accountable,” Prutch said. “It is one thing to state intentions, but it is another to put that into measurable actions. This committee will help us continue to move forward."