The Cleveland Foundation by Gay Games - Dissertation Example

The Cleveland Foundation by Gay Games Introduction The Cleveland Foundation presented Gay Games 2014 - an inclusive sport & cultural festival in the world. The global LGBT-friendly event (also referred to Gay Games 9) took place between August 9 and August 16, 2014 (Nelson 2013, p. 468). The Gay Games, launched in 1982 and held after every four years, are often open to all adults regardless of their athletic ability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. In the same way, the international sporting and cultural event is open to all participants irrespective of their nationality, artistic ability, health status, physical challenge, or political beliefs. Several companies and institutions supported the Gay Games’ founding principles and mission of Inclusion, Personal Best, and Participation (Nelson 2013, p. 468). Forest City and Eaton were the Platinum sponsors whereas Thompson Hine, TWIST Creative, Inc. and Arachnid were Gold sponsors. MassMutual was the Silver Sponsor while Bronze sponsors included Great Lakes Science Center, GE Lighting, FIT Technologies, Jakprints, PNC Bank, and the Cleveland Indians. Dozens of other companies also became sponsors at “Rainbow Levels” of the 2014 Gay Games (Gay Games 9). They include Bike Authority and Dominion (Orange sponsors), as well as The Clubs and Goldfarb Weber Creative Media (Red sponsors). Gay Games intend to bring together a global community of friendship in an attempt to achieve intellectual and cultural synergy. They also seek to elevate self-esteem and consciousness, as well as make participants experience participation. The 2014 edition of Gay Games took place in various venues around Cleveland and Akron, in the United States. At least 20,000 people from over 50 countries visited the region and participated in more than 35 sports and culture events. Incidentally, about ten percent of participants at the global human rights event were from outside the LGBT community (Nelson 2013, p. 468). According to a study released on Dec. 1, 2014, the economic impact of Gay Games 2014 exceeded $52 million. In particular, the festival provided significant economic impact to the economy of Northeast Ohio, and substantial revenues generated through local jobs and businesses. Nature of the Event The week-long cultural and athletics festival was primarily intended to showcase the athletic prowess of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender (the LGBT Community). The festival further enhanced equality by showing the entire world that lesbian and gay athletes are just the same as their heterosexual counterparts (Horne & Harvey 2013). The primary objective of the sporting and cultural festival is to empower participants to create the much-needed change in their communities, particularly in regions where LGBT rights and civil liberties remain elusive. Apparently, many countries around the world have policies that grossly violate human rights and fundamental privileges of LGBT Community. The organizers of Gay Games focus on providing scholarships for various athletes from countries widely underrepresented at the global event (Horne & Harvey 2013). Most of these countries have either an intense social stigma or strict laws against homosexuality. For instance, some countries impose heavy penalties on individuals suspected to be gay or lesbians, including brutal execution in public. Even lesbian or gay athletes in countries or regions with strong LGBT protections still feel disenfranchised. A typical case in point is South Africa where attacks and discrimination are still widespread despite lesbian and gay rights being guaranteed in the country’s constitution (Horne & Harvey 2013). Some international participants are forced to conceal their involvement with Gay Games and other global cultural festivals for homosexuals after experiencing anti-LGBT attitudes in their home countries. Meanwhile, intolerance remains a critical issue even in western countries, including the U.S. For the last few decades, it has been difficult for athletes to declare their sexuality (Horne & Harvey 2013). However, increased acceptance was visible throughout Akron and Cleveland, Ohio during the global cultural and sporting festival. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Foundation is arguably the first community foundation worldwide. The Foundation is today among the largest, with assets amounting to more than $2.1 billion (Rein 2014, p. 268). Cleveland Foundation focuses on improving the lives of locals and Greater Clevelanders in addition to providing leadership on pertinent issues, addressing needs through grantmaking, as well as building community endowment. The Foundation was the first presenting sponsor and backer of the sporting and cultural festival in the history of Gay Games (Rein 2014, p. 268). It also celebrated the contributions and vital role that 23 more diverse organizations played, including pledging their support ahead of 2014 gay games. Tom Nobbe, the Executive Director of international Gay Games, asserted that the global human rights event required a multitude of resources (Rein 2014, p. 268). Accordingly, the presence of partners and sponsors was a significant boost to the organizers and the even in general. Lastly, Cleveland Foundation looks forward to supporting its long-standing commitment to inclusion and social justice. Potential participants should be persons above eighteen years of age (Rein 2014, p. 268). Nevertheless, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, race, or nationalities of persons do not influence the eligibility of prospective participants. Sustainability Policy of 2014 Gay Games The 2014 Gay Games (Gay Games 9) utilizes the principle of Triple Bottom Line to define sustainability. The policy takes a holistic approach to Gay Games 9 operations, primarily focusing on the economic success, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility (Lenskyj 2014, p. 77). The sporting and cultural festival sought to address each of the principles of Triple Bottom Line: enhancing economic growth, fostering acceptance and social change, and raising knowledge and awareness about the future and well-being of the environment (Lenskyj 2014, p. 77). In particular, the policy focuses on how citizens of Northeast Ohio (mainly Cleveland and Akron) impact the environment. Sustainability policy is critical cultural gathering and multi-sport festival specifically organized for LGBT athletes and artists. The event brought together lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender athletes from at least 50 nations around the world (Lenskyj 2014, p. 77). Apart from the LGBT community, about ten percent of those in attendance were non-LGBT (heterosexuals) from the local region and other countries/territories outside the United States. Out of the four cities (Boston, Miami, Cleveland, and Washington D.C) that expressed interest to host the Games, the FCC (Federation of Gay Games) settled in Cleveland during its September 2009 annual convention in Cologne, Germany. Sustainability Mission Statement The 2014 Gay Games presented by Cleveland Foundation endeavors to make the global sporting and cultural festival most sustainable of all Gay Games to date and provide a legacy of sustainability upon which Gay Games can build in the future. Sustainability Action Areas (Target Areas) Gay Games 9 (GG9) designed five action areas for purposes of sustainability. They include water, waste management, sustainable transportation, local food, and greening GG9. Water Through a campaign dubbed Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB), organizers/planners of the international human rights festival encouraged participants, spectators, and volunteers to bring to respective venues their own reusable water bottles in order to minimize bottled water use (Lenskyj 2014, p. 77). The clear signage at the GG9 event indicated the exact locations of water stations. The overall goal is to eliminate waste generated or created by plastic water bottles. Waste Management Part of the waste management strategies at the 2014 Gay Games included provision of recycling bins at all locations. In addition, the GG9 event diverted more than 40 percent of all waste from landfills. The planners made their efforts simple and clear for volunteers, participants, and spectators to understand and ultimately adopt the aforementioned waste management concepts in their homes. Sustainable Transportation Ensure availability and affordability of mass transit at all venues. Provide secure bike parking at certain venues and adopt a bike sharing initiative in downtown Cleveland Provide care information and free bike maintenance where possible Develop cycling expeditions of Akron and Cleveland where possible Provide mass transportation to virtually all participants through their reduced price to volunteers and registration fee Local Food Provide produce grown locally to volunteers and participants Ensure local producers/vendors supply at least 10 percent of food consumed at the GG9 event Encourage volunteers, participants, and spectators to support local fruit stands, food trucks, and restaurants where possible Greening GG9 Since the organizers of Gay Games, 2014 are well aware that their internal operations have an impact on the environment, they: Worked incredibly hard to embed sustainability into volunteer work streams and GG9 staff Developed an engagement program to discuss sustainability together with the volunteers and participants Expanded Community Partnership Program to include sustainability partners Secured sustainability sponsorship to finance implementation of the sustainability plan “Triple Bottom Line” Sustainability Although sustainability is a common goal for governments, nonprofits, and businesses, measuring the degree to which an organization is pursuing sustainable growth or is being sustainable could be difficult. The Triple Bottom Line (TBL), an accounting framework, goes beyond the conventional measures of return on investment, shareholder value, and profits to include social and environmental dimensions (Mallon, Buchanan & Heijmans 2011, p. 135). The framework incorporates three fundamental dimensions of organizational performance namely financial (profits), social (people), and environmental (planet). As a result, triple bottom line reporting or coverage is a vital tool to protract sustainability goals. Financially, the 2014 Gay Games contributed more than $50 million in economic impact to Akron and Cleveland, as well as placed the region on the global stage. The planners, organizers and hosts of the Gay Games were well aware of the scale and scope of the sporting and cultural festival hence made a commitment to maximize the positive social and economic impacts of the festival (Mallon, Buchanan & Heijmans 2011, p. 135). Similarly, they were committed to minimizing the environmental impact of 2014 Gay Games on the region. GG9 developed a solid foundation upon which subsequent host countries or cities can build to continue harnessing the incredible potential for positive cultural, social, economic, environmental, and political change that the Gay Games represent (Mallon, Buchanan & Heijmans 2011, p. 135). GG9 successfully crafted and implemented an initiative or strategy that intended to minimize the general impact of 2014 Gay Games upon the environment. Moreover, planners, organizers, and hosts utilized natural resources in a more efficient, mindful manner. Implementation of the sustainability required a concerted effort of stakeholders and at different levels. The Project and Volunteer Manager, Tim Kovach, played an integral part in volunteering and successful management of the initiative since coming on board in September 2013 (Mallon, Buchanan & Heijmans 2011, p. 135). Support from leaders at the helm of the organization also made sustainability efforts a reality. For instance, the Executive Director, Director of Operations, Director of Development, and the Director of Sports and Events fully supported sustainability efforts for 2014 Gay Games from the outset. However, GG9 had to remain realistic when they set sustainability goals and mission. The organization managed to strike a delicate balance between optimism and feasibility amid concerted efforts to identify sustainability initiatives (Mallon, Buchanan & Heijmans 2011, p. 135). The Project and Volunteer Manager ensured that the organization had adequate financial, human, and logistical resources at disposal. The Manager further identifies important sustainability partners within Northeast Ohio who successfully connected GG9 with copious other resources. Meanwhile, the 2014 Gay Games was an important test run that mainly attempted to align environmental values with sexual identity. Accordingly, spectators and participants in the games had an enormous torch to carry for contemporary environmentalists (Quinn 2013). The organizers, planners and hosts for the 2018 Gay Games (in Paris, France) have the chance to create the roadmap on how LGBT Community in Europe can stand out as champions or leaders of environmental sustainability. On the other hand, the 2014 Gay Games provided the LGBT Community an opportunity to align their identity along with their values, with utmost pride (Quinn 2013). It is time the organization bridged the LGBT and environmental movements, as well as aligned their values since lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender cut across all cultural, economic, and political lines. Sustainability theories and Conclusion Gay Games have successfully built a global legacy of changing social, political, and cultural attitudes toward LGBT Community for over 30 years. These Games have also empowered thousands of people across the globe with transformative benefits of sports competition (Veal 2010). It is arguably the largest sporting and cultural event in the world, and is normally open to everyone regardless of their religion, political views, sexual orientation, race, or nationality. Gay Games take place after every four years under the founding values or principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best. The theories and concepts related to sustainability include public policy theories, infrastructure theories, and land theories. Gay Games represent the core value of environmental sustainability among LGBT community across the globe. The Cleveland Foundation presented the 2014 Gay Games (Veal 2010). The Games, which took place in Akron and Cleveland between August 9 and August 16, 2014, brought together more than 4,000 volunteers, estimated 10,000 participants, and thousands other guests engaging in different cultural and sporting events. In summary, 2014 Gay Games showcased Akron and Cleveland on the global stage, and contributed over 50 million dollars in economic impact to the region. Gay Games 9 (GG9) played a crucial role in organizing, planning, and hosting the 2014 Gay Games (Adler 2014, p. 340). GG9 was particularly committed to exploiting the positive social and economic impacts of the 2014 Gay Games while attempting to minimize its environmental impact on the region. In addition, GG9 successfully made the 2014 festival the most sustainable Gay Games it has ever held. The organization also plans to create a foundation upon which subsequent host regions or cities can build in attempt to control and harness the incredible potential for positive cultural, political, social, environmental, and economic change that the Games represent (Adler 2014, p. 340). Lastly, more than 70 percent of the 20,000-plus volunteers and participants lived outside the metro area of Akron and Cleveland. Both locals and non-locals spent at least $38 million in the primary sectors of the local economy, including gas stations, hotels, bars, and restaurants. Recommendations GG9 should guarantee host cities of Gay Games that the majority of the economic benefits associated with the sports and culture event remain in the regions. The planners and organizers should also create more part-time and full-time positions, as well as provide internship opportunities for more young adults residing in host cities. Furthermore, GG9 should make a commitment to providing vendor and contract opportunities to businesses enterprises in the host cities and the region thanks to its supplier delivery program. In particular, the organization should provide contract and vendor opportunities to businesses that are certified or licensed as minority, veteran, and LGBT-owned. A focus on collaborating or partnering with minority and local-owned businesses and companies will immensely contribute to social and economic growth and development of the host cities or regions. The planners and organizers, as well as the Federation of Gay Games should endeavor to provide a welcoming and safe environment where LGBT artists, performers, and athletes can gather together and compete fairly in an atmosphere free of discrimination. GG9 should step up its campaign to ensure that the future Gay Games are open to everyone, irrespective of their gender identity, sexual orientation, athletic ability, health status. FCC should particularly integrate cultural competency training into its programs to help partners and volunteers serve the needs of visitors and participants better. It should also create a mechanism of enhancing people’s awareness that Gay Games is the largest cultural and sporting event worldwide. GG9 and FCC should use the Gay Games to build a stronger LGBT community – an integral part of long-term sustainability plan. GG9 should set aside part of its revenues to fund LGBT programs in host cities, as well as support and strengthen revitalized LGBT Community long after the Gay Games have ended. References Adler, P. S. (2014). Oxford handbook of sociology, social theory and organization studies. Contemporary currents. Corby, Oxford University Press. Horne, J., & Harvey, J. (2013). Sport and Social Movements From the Local to the Global. London, Bloomsbury Publishing. Lenskyj, H. (2014). Sexual diversity and the Sochi 2014 Olympics no more rainbows. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan. Mallon, B., Buchanan, I., & Heijmans, J. (2011). Historical dictionary of the Olympic movement. Lanham, Md, Scarecrow Press. Nelson, M. R. (2013). American sports: a history of icons, idols, and ideas. Santa Barbara, Calif, Greenwood. Paarlberg, R. L. (2010). Food politics what everyone needs to know. New York, Oxford University Press. Quinn, B. (2013). Key concepts in event management. London, SAGE. Rein, I. (2014). Sports strategist: developing leaders for a high performing industry. [S.l.], Oxford University Press. Stoddart, M. C. J. (2012). Making meaning out of mountains: the political ecology of skiing. Vancouver, UBC Press. Veal, A. J. (2010). Leisure, sport and tourism, politics, policy and planning. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, CABI Read More