Diversity Admissions Program

The Value of Diversity Admissions Pathway to Membership

By Ann Blume, Diversity Admissions Committee Chair 2023-2024

In today’s diverse and interconnected world, clubs that embrace and celebrate diversity have a significant advantage in shaping vibrant communities. Recognizing the immense value that diversity brings, many clubs have implemented a diversity admissions pathway to membership. MAC has long supported this pathway. Although the program name has changed over the years, the commitment remains. This pathway prioritizes diversity and inclusivity in the membership process and offers a multitude of benefits to both the club and its members, including:

• Enhanced perspectives and experiences: The diversity admissions pathway brings together individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

• Cultivating a welcoming environment: The diversity admissions pathway creates an inclusive atmosphere that embraces individuals of all backgrounds. It sends a clear message that the club values diversity and aims to provide a safe space for everyone.

Each new member brings with them unique perspectives, passions, and talents, enriching the overall club experience for everyone. By embracing diversity, clubs unlock the power of unity and create spaces where everyone can thrive. 

Criteria for Diversity Admissions Nominees

CRITERION 1: DIVERSITY

Diversity, as outlined by the Multnomah Athletic Club Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee is evolving. The Diversity Admissions Committee is committed to an ongoing review of these criteria areas at no less than an annual basis.

Diversity

• Diversity refers to race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation as defined below:

• Race

• Black or African American – A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

• American Native or Alaskan Native – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North, Central or South America.

• Asian, Pacific Islander or Middle Eastern – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands.

Ethnicity

• Hispanic or /Latino (a/x) – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Central or South America, or other Latin American countries.

Gender

• Trans– A person whose gender identity or expression does not conform to what is expected based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Gender Non-Conforming – A term used to describe some people whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity.

Sexual Orientation

• LGBTQ+ Spectrum (applicant self-identifies) – A person whose sexual orientation is other than heterosexual.

CRITERION 2: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Nominees must demonstrate involvement within the local community through voluntary or professional activities, including leadership roles, that develop relationships and connections that give them a sphere of influence to increase awareness of the Diversity Admissions Program and Multnomah Athletic Club. This is not a measure of volunteer service but of relationship building. Involvement may include current or recent participation in at least one of the following:

• Charitable organizations or other non-profit entities,

• Cultural organizations,

• Professional organizations,

• Faith-based organizations,

• Educational institutions,

• Similar activities that demonstrate community involvement.

If the candidate has not lived in the Portland metro area for at least two years, recent community involvement from a prior community will be considered.

For further information on Diversity Admissions, please email: membership@themac.com.