In both society and athletics there is a problem with stereotyping, bullying, and homophobia that is magnified in athletics. Athlete Ally, a 501C-3 nonprofit organization is centered around rectifying those wrongs and making sports the vehicle for change that it can be. Athlete Ally provides public awareness campaigns, education programming and tools and resources to foster inclusive sports communities. They mobilize Amabassadors in collegiate, professional, and Olympic sports and work to foster "allyship" in their athletic environments. At the core of thier organization's success is strong individuals willing to stand up and held foster this change.
Thus far the programs include Amabassadors from over 80 colleges and over 100 professional athletes, including track star Nick Symmonds.
Nick joined Athlete Ally before the Winter Olympics to stand up against the Russian treatment of its citizens, foriegn athletes and visitors. Symmonds hopes through his work in the organization that he can inspire more athletes to stand up against this type of action and create more inclusion, respect, and most importantly equality in the athletic community.
Even though Nick is, you don't have to be an Olympian to be an Athlete Ally! An Athlete Ally can be any person - regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity - who takes a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports and brings the message of respect, inclusion, and equality to their athletic community. Athlete Allies include competitive and recreational athletes as well as coaches, parents, teachers, league officials, sports fans, and other sports participants and advocates around the globe.
At its core, Athlete Ally is simply an organization working towards equality and inclusion in sports.
Athlete Ally is always looking to expand into more schools and also spread its message. If you are interested in becoming an Ally, signing their pledge for equality or are intersted in some general questions about the organization and their work then check their site out here: AthleteAlly.Org