FLORIDA SWIMMING DIVERSITY COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS DUE BY NOV. 15TH

Application Deadline is November 15th

Dear Prospective Committee Member:

It is my pleasure to share that efforts are underway to convene the Florida Swimming Diversity
and Outreach Committee. Attached is an Application for your review and consideration.
Florida Swimming in partnership with USA Swimming are combining efforts with the goal of
promoting inclusion, offering opportunities and increasing diversity in the sport of swimming
within the six zones that make up Florida Swimming. We represent an estimated 14,000
swimmers and 95 local swim clubs. Additionally, this committee will help to build on the
population of underrepresented athletes, coaches, administrators and sport officials.
Members of this committee will play an integral part in significantly impacting the sport by
helping to develop and implement strategies, policies, programs and events that will facilitate and
help foster diverse and inclusive environments for those experienced and not so experienced in
the sport of swimming, throughout our local communities. Startling 2010 statistics released by
USA Swimming found that 70% of African American families and 58% of Hispanic families
have low or no swimming abilities, putting them at risk of drowning.
The Diversity and Outreach Committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Florida
Swimming, with the Chair of the Diversity Committee serving as a voting member of this Board.
This Committee will be comprised of approximately 15 to 18 member’s representative of the 95
clubs that make up Florida Swimming. Member selection may include, but is not limited to
parents, coaches, swimmers, officials and others from within our communities who might have a
vested interest. Due to the geographical makeup of Florida Swimming territories; meeting times,
frequencies and modes of communication will be discussed at a mutually convenient time, once
members have been selected and confirmed.
We are excited to get moving and request that all applications be returned by November 15, 2010
as we’d like to have selections and confirmations completed as soon as possible.
As the parent of a swimmer, myself, and as a child welfare advocate, I’m thrilled to have been
asked to be a part of this initiative, as we truly have an opportunity to do something
extraordinary! If there are others in your community that you’d like to have considered for
membership, please let me know. If you have questions or need additional information, please
feel free to contact me at 352-286-6733 or by email at [email protected].
I sincerely appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Retta L.Barber,
Florida Swimming Diversity & Outreach Committee

Application