WESA: VALUES IN ACTION
TL/DR Summary: What are our league values and how do we persue them.
Since 1978, WESA has been rooted in the principles of Gay+ community building and sportsmanship. Our league is committed to fostering a fun yet competitive environment while ensuring a welcoming space for all members of our community. WESA's goals are:
- a. Provide and protect the opportunity for individuals who support the bonds of lesbian and gay fellowship to play amateur slo-pitch softball in an atmosphere of friendly competition, free of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, race, creed, gender and ability;
- b. Foster, develop, promote and regulate the play of amateur slo-pitch softball and provide the proper safe-guards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship; and
- c. Undertake fundraising activities and other social events for the betterment of the lesbian and gay community.
(source: WESA Constitution)
In 2023, we embarked on a strategic evolution to enhance both the member experience and the long-term sustainability of our league. Through member engagement and dedicated efforts, we are focused on three key pillars:
- League Sustainability
- Community Inclusion
- Sportsmanship
Strengthening Community, Sustainability & Sportsmanship in WESA
2023 Initiatives
- Revised division naming conventions to “Tiers” to better reflect the Vancouver experience.
- Transitioned the Player Skills Assessment (NQ) process to a league committee for improved accuracy and fairness.
- Launched skill-building programs for rookies, alongside mentorship and clinic initiatives to support continuous player development.
2024 Enhancements
- Introduced a League Code of Conduct and Member & Coaching Agreements to strengthen inclusion and volunteer engagement.
- Completed enhancements to the NQ assessment process for greater transparency and accuracy.
- Established peer-driven team management and coaching clinics to enrich the WESA experience for all members.
THE WESA MEMBER EXPERIENCE
Looking Ahead: WESA 2025 and Beyond
In 2024, the WESA Commission invited members to contribute to an updated version of the 2023 Vision for Sustainability and Sportsmanship—a roadmap outlining key goals and initiatives for the league. As part of this process, members shared their ideas on league structure and future aspirations.
In January 2025, the league unveiled the outcomes of this initiative, including the introduction of a three-division structure to better align players of similar skill levels. This transition, guided by NQ assessments, is being implemented beginning in 2025. Further details can be found on the Season Orientation page.
PIP: Player Inclusion Policy
WESA supports the principles of the Accessibility Canada Act (ACA) and its goal of achieving a barrier-free Canada by 2040. In 2024, the league introduced a pilot ACA Accommodation Policy to support members with long-term disabilities who wish to continue playing softball. A dedicated committee conducted research on accessibility standards and explored strategies to remove barriers for players. Based on their findings, WESA has adopted these recommendations into the Player Inclusion Policy (PIP), which is now part of the WESA Governing Manual.
COMMUNITY: GIVING BACK
Since 1987, the WESA Pageant has raised over $150,000 for our community and has become a jewel at the heart of WESA. We encourage members to get involved in the Pageant and for the community to support the event. >> More.
Reference:
WESA 2024 Update of the Vision for Sustainability and Sportsmanship
Click here to see a PDF of the report WESA 2023 Vision for Sustainability
DUSTY BAG related articles:
13 July 2024 - IS IT TIME TO SPLIT T1 DIVISION?
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