The OTFA Announces New Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee

 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the OTFA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee.  The Committee’s mission, as stated in its Charter, is to advance diversity and inclusion of all under-represented minorities and social groups in ITF Taekwon-Do.  In addition to supporting existing female and minority members, the Committee aims to contribute to the growth and diversity of the OTFA by attracting new members from under-represented populations.

The DEI Committee will work in partnership with the OTFA Board of Directors to devise, develop, and implement strategies aimed at providing members at all levels of the organization with the same advantage and opportunity for advancement.  This effort will include multiple initiatives, such as mentorship programs, business training and networking opportunities for school owners, and seminars on topics of diversity and inclusion.

The Committee will be comprised of three subcommittees, each tasked with further representing and advocating on behalf of their particular constituencies: the Women’s Subcommittee, the Subcommittee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, and the Accessibility and Disability Subcommittee.

The founding members and Co-Chairs of the DEI Committee are OTFA Board Members Master Becky Faaborg (A-7-72) and Dr. Olga Shurchkov (A-5-273).   In the near future, the Committee will seek member applications from the OTFA community, aiming to bring together a diverse group of representative individuals who have the expertise and passion to drive our agenda forward.

We believe that the mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is deeply aligned with the Taekwon-Do philosophy of moral culture that emphasizes fostering humanity, righteousness (duty to others), propriety, wisdom, and trust.  It is also consistent with the ITF’s broader goal of positioning Taekwon-Do as the most popular martial art in the world, which can happen only if it is accessible to people of all ages and social groups. We hope that the OTFA members will support the work of the new DEI Committee and will submit applications to join.