What is the Diversity and Equity Initiative?
The Diversity and Equity Initiative at the Irvington Club is a strategic pathway to membership aimed at enhancing racial diversity within the Club. This initiative aligns with the Club’s broader Mission, which is:
“To share among our members and all communities a love of tennis that is distinguished by friendliness, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility.”
In support of this mission, the Board of Trustees voted in December 2021 to establish the initiative to proactively foster a more racially diverse community at the Club.
The overall goal is to ensure that the Irvington Club benefits from diverse perspectives and the many advantages that diversity brings, while becoming more reflective of the broader community and remaining welcoming and accessible to people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
What is the recruitment process for each year’s cohort?
All individuals on the waitlist will be invited to apply for this voluntary initiative. Those who have been on the waitlist the longest, and who meet the diversity criteria, will be given priority to join the Diversity and Equity Initiative. Allies are also encouraged to apply. The size of each year’s cohort will vary due to a formula which appropriates 1/3 of total membership slots from the previous year to the DE Initiative. To achieve diverse perspectives, no more than 50% of the total Diversity and Equity Initiative membership will self-identify as the same race (using US Census race and ethnicity categories).
What is the current status of the D&E Initiative?
To date (5/2025), there have been four cohorts of waitlisters who have participated in the D&E Initiative. During the last four years, 25 memberships (for families, couples or individuals) have been allocated to the D&E Initiative.
What are the goals of the Initiative?
The goals of the Diversity and Equity Initiative at the Irvington Club are:
- Foster Inclusion: Make the club a welcoming and inclusive environment specifically for communities of color.
- Promote Awareness and Engagement: Increase understanding of social justice issues and privilege within the club and encourage member participation in equity-focused efforts.
- Enhance Representation: Increase the presence and participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds at the club, both in the current year and into the future.
- Remove Barriers to Access: Identify and address obstacles within the club’s policies, procedures, and programs that may limit access to tennis—both at the club and in the wider community.
What are the benefits for individuals participating in the Initiative?
DEI Committee Members will automatically have Community Associate membership while working on the project. At the end of their one-year term, committee members will be offered full membership. Community Associate benefits include:
- 8 tennis reservations per month
- Participation on USTA teams and club tournaments
- Unlimited participation in men’s and women’s open play
- Access to adult clinics and private lessons at member costs
- Unlimited use of the weight room and spa
- 10 pool visits per summer season
Has the initiative been vetted?
Yes. Two attorneys and two professional diversity consultants were hired to advise the Diversity and Equity Initiative and Board of Trustees regarding this initiative, keeping in mind the club must follow the criteria to be eligible for its 501c7 tax status. None of the advisors are members of the Irvington Club.