In support of this program, US Squash has brought on Barrett Takesian, the Portland Community Squash founder and executive director, in the role of US Squash Senior Advisor for Community Programs. In doing so US Squash seeks to establish a national network of Community Affiliates to create broad access to squash, both indoors and out. In the role, Takesian will provide professional expertise to accelerate the launch of more Community Affiliates with the clear focus of improving access, equity and community integration within the sport, supporting emerging community squash programs and reviewing community squash planning and organizing. Nearly two dozen communities have already expressed interest in creating Community Affiliate facilities.

US Squash offers the ‘Community Affiliate’ accreditation at three tiers: Tier I: Emerging Community Affiliate Criteria:

• Non-profit squash facility that demonstrates a commitment to access;
• Clear strategies to remove barriers to participation.

Benefits:

• Inclusion in the Community Affiliate Network;
• Use of the Community Affiliate brand and marketing materials;
• Programmatic assistance and the sharing of best practices;
• Full use of Club Locker software and all support services at best rates available.

Tier II: Local Community Affiliate  Criteria:

• Non-profit squash facilities that demonstrate a commitment to access;
• Clear strategies to remove barriers to participation;
• Programs in place that provide lasting engagement for youth and adults;
• Annual financial assistance (includes expenses to address other barriers) must surpass 10% of annual squash related revenues;

Benefits:

• Inclusion in the Community Affiliate Network;
• Use of the Community Affiliate brand and marketing materials;
• Programmatic assistance and the sharing of best practices;
• Full use of Club Locker software and all support services at best rates available;
• Coordination on pilot program implementation.

Tier III: Regional Community Affiliate  Criteria:

• Non-profit squash facilities that demonstrate a commitment to access;
• Clear strategies to remove barriers to participation;
• Programs in place that provide lasting engagement for youth and adults;
• Annual financial assistance (includes expenses to address other barriers) must surpass 20% of annual squash related revenues;
• Organizational commitment to move beyond access work into equity and integration work;
• Enough court and organizational capacity to host major events for the region;
• Proven operating experience;
• Desire to support other local community affiliates.

Benefits:

• Inclusion in the Community Affiliate Network;
• Use of the Community Affiliate brand and marketing materials;
• Programmatic assistance and the sharing of best practices;
• Full use of Club Locker software and all support services at best rates available;
• Coordination on pilot program implementation;
• Integration with national high performance Team USA program;
• Hosting of major regional and national level competitions.

Interested organizations should pursue the following steps:

• Submit the application information requested below to Barrett Takesian, US Squash Senior Advisor for Community Programs: barrett.takesian@ussquash.org
• US Squash will set up a call to discuss the application
• If your organization meets the criteria, US Squash will issue an accreditation and publish a press release announcing your organization’s participation in the Community Affiliate Network (CAN)

Application Details Please provide the following:

• Organization: Name, Phone, Address, Mission Statement
• Organizational Contact: Name, Title, Email, Phone, Number of years with organization
• 501c3 Approval Letter from IRS
• Most recent 990 tax filing
• Current year budget
• Rough court matrix of weekday and weekend usage
• Board of Directors: Names
• Staff: Names, Titles, Emails
• Safety: Proof of Insurance, Student Protection Plan

1. Provide a brief history of your organization.
2. Accessible squash facilities strive to represent the racial and socio-economic diversity of the surrounding area. Which communities do you include in your service area, and what are the racial and socio-economic demographics of those communities?
3. Please provide a list and short descriptions for your current programs. The descriptions should include estimates about annual program costs/revenues, program enrollment, program capacity, and any available demographic information.Examples of programs offered by existing Community Affiliates include: membership, adult skill level clinics, adult box leagues, adult ladders, adult team leagues, adult pubic clinics, youth clinics, youth leagues, youth school programs, collegiate programs, squash and education programs, summer camps, elite training academies, free public access, drop in play, school day physical education, tournaments, private lessons, social events, wellness classes, and more…
4. What strategies does your organization deploy to improve access to your programs? Please make reference to any available financial aid, transportation assistance, or inclusive marketing tactics.
5. Please provide a rough estimate of your annual financial assistance broken down by program. In addition to financial assistance, feel free to include expenses related to fighting transportation and marketing barriers.
6. Access is about making neighbors of all backgrounds feel at home at the courts. Equity is about using the organization’s resources to meet neighbors where they are and move forward. Integration is about helping neighbors form lasting relationships across lines of difference. Has your organization made progress on the Equity and Integration goals above?
7. Does your organization have enough staff and court capacity to host major events for your region?
8. Does your organization wish to promote community squash initiatives in your region?
9. Why does your organization wish to join the Community Affiliate Network?