Every club has its own unique culture made up of traditions and history. As club leaders think about the landscape of diversity and inclusion and its societal impact, it includes not only club members and staff, but vendors engaged by the club.
Why D&I?
In recent years, there’s been an emerging trend at clubs to create a more sustainable membership model and satisfy member wishes for a more inclusive and diverse club environment. According to NCA’s 2023 D&I Committee Club Survey, 60% of clubs have begun to discuss D&I initiatives.
One often overlooked area where clubs can respond is their vendors. Engaging diverse vendors introduces new products, services and solutions to clubs while supporting greater representation, employment and economic advancement for businesses. Additionally, like in staffing, vendor selecting is one of the areas the club has the most input, making these companies a key indicator of the club’s commitment to inclusivity.
What is D&I?
While often narrowly defined, diversity covers a remarkable number of demographic areas such as age, ethnicity, gender, education, income, marital and disability status, education, sexual orientation, as well as choice in music, friends, occupation and other characteristics.
Inclusion simply is the feeling of belonging—in private clubs, that means members, guests, staff and vendors always feel welcome regardless of any personal characteristics. Expanding the search for vendors beyond typical means can open doors for both you and the partner.
CARE
Consolidating information from NCA’s D&I Blueprint, NCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee developed the CARE model for vendors (Clarify, Assess, Review and Engage) to help club leaders evaluate policies and procedures to create programs and guidelines to engage the best vendors possible.
This document clearly lays out steps to support a more diversified vendor network to elevate the club. Going through each step will help your club identify valuable partnerships and positively impact the club’s culture and traditions.
