Our Mission
Boardslide Mission’s goal is to enrich the lives of historically marginalized communities (women/girls, LGBTQ+, black, indigenous, people of color) via boardsports and snowsports in Wisconsin. We accomplish this by providing instruction, resources, and community. We also aim to enhance the boardsports and snowsports communities by broadening member identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Many folks from marginalized communities experience social discrimination and isolation, either in obvious or subtle ways. This leads to a host of challenges and disadvantages, including lack of financial and social resources, lack of security, and difficulty maintaining mental and physical health. Boardslide Mission is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those facing these issues. We provide access to sports that have significant cultural and financial barriers to entry, yet offer life enrichment through empowerment, joy, fitness, and connection to the outdoors.
Not only is our programming focused on empowering and uplifting the demographics we serve, we’re also focused on helping to build a more balanced and sustainable member base for the snowsports and boardsports community. Our world is changing. With diversity, equity, and inclusion on the frontlines, these sporting industries need assistance to roll with that change. A broader depth of identities, experiences, and perspectives helps shape a healthier future for snowsports and boardsports.
Boardslide Mission joins the growing number of sports organizations across the U.S. working to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. Barriers to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in snowsports and boardsports are complex and varied. We aim to chip away at barriers with the following initial focus:
Fostering a sense of belonging for students, instructors, and volunteers through community-building programming.
Removing financial barriers by providing sliding scale sponsorship for facility access, lessons, gear, and equipment.
Creating a welcoming learning environment by featuring program leaders who are also from marginalized communities, as well as community allies.
*Boardslide Mission Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.