Executive SummaryBadgers Care Community Outreach Proposal

Brock University Department of AthleticsPrepared by: Tyler Harrison and Chris Critelli

INTRODUCTION:

The Brock University Department of Athletics sees a greater need for coordinated efforts in community service outreach opportunities for all Brock athletic teams within the community (St. Catharines and the Niagara Region). Utilizing sport as a means for social change and development within our community is an endeavor our athletic teams are currently participating in. However, these efforts are neither coordinated or exposed in the media, and lack a philosophy or departmental purpose. The objective of this proposal is to outline the approach necessary to coordinate the Department of Athletics in their community outreach opportunities. Subsequently, the following five objectives have been established:

1. Co-ordinated Community OutreachThere is an opportunity to coordinate our effort within the Brock University Athletics Department. Including Student-Athletes, Coaches and staff, we can utilize our passion for athletics and sport as a means for social change and personnel development.

2. Build mutual relationships with community partnersThis can allow us to work as partners in our surrounding community (Niagara Sport Commission, YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Community Care) and develop bonds with sister institutions (e.g. Niagara College). Focused efforts should be placed on those that we have already established relationships with and officially build alliances with them.

3. Increase Student-Athlete personal development We would like our program to be mutually beneficial to both the organizations/individual we reach and the Student-Athletes who participate. Additionally, community outreach has shown to improve academic development, interpersonal skills, cultural understanding, and civic responsibility for participants.

4. Seek Corporate Community Investment and AlliancesAs we look to formally present our Badgers Care program, it is important we reach out to our surrounding corporate community. Instead of their marketing dollars just going to promotional signage, we would like to target corporate community investment resources. Some sectors include Financial Services, Automotive groups, Restaurants, and external grants.

5.Create Community Awareness

STRENGTHS:1.Student-Athlete Population2.Established Brock University Athletics Council (B.U.A.C.)3.Established Community Outreach - I.M.P.A.C.T.4.Community Outreach - Individual Team Based

WEAKNESSES & CHALLENGES:1.Website and Social Media Presence2. Financial Sustainability3. Student-Athlete Awareness4.Student-Athlete Schedule5. Human Resources6. Transportation

PHILOSOPHY:

Badgers Care will be a coordinated effort from the Brock University Department of Athletics that will include Student-Athletes, Coaches, and Staff. Utilizing our passion for athletics, Badgers Care will use sport as a means for social change. Through community outreach, Brock University Student-Athletes will seize the opportunity to foster their own personal development beyond academics and athletics. Student-Athletes will be provided substantial opportunities to use sport as a vehicle to empower positive change in the Niagara Region. Badgers Care will enable our Student-Athletes to become well rounded leaders, proving they are not only dedicated in the pursuit of excellence on the playing field, but off the playing field as well.

Further, in accordance with the Ontario University Athletics Mission, the holistic development (Academic, Athletic, and Community Leadership) of the Student-Athlete will be enriched for those willing to participate and fully immerse themselves in greater development opportunities.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Our Staff, Coaches and most importantly the Student-Athletes are the greatest asset we have to share with our local and surrounding community. Services we can offer to surrounding organizations or initiatives includes volunteer support (e.g. Charity Run), mentorship (e.g. I.M.P.A.C.T. program, BBBS) and skill-building (e.g. Reading program)

• As the Brock University Department of Athletics and their Staff, Coaches and Student-Athletes have already been involved in a multitude of preexisting programming and events, it is important for a marketing strategy to be outlined. This marketing strategy will provide a fundamental baseline for all community outreach in the future. Given our objectives are clear, we are able to promote our Badgers Care outreach program with the drive to make Badgers Care a sustainable and growing opportunity year after year.

• The presented Case for Support showcases the reasons why Badgers Care needs and merits philanthropic support (Appendix 2).

• For increased stability, sustainability and program success, it is important for staff and those involved with Badgers Care to prospect into the broader business community within the Niagara Region and beyond. This will include but not be limited to Fundraising, Corporate Giving and Grant-seeking.

• Companies give back to charities and nonprofits in their communities for both altruistic and business-related reasons.