You don’t have to go it alone and you don’t need to be an expert! (An excellent resource is the USTA National Advocacy Handbook, available as a free download HERE.) You can also click HERE to subscribe to USTA newsletters and stay updated on the latest USTA news.
For more advanced advocacy efforts, here are steps to creating an advocacy plan:
- Define your goal. Are you looking to get courts built or refurbished? Do you want to start adult or junior programming? Or create a Community Tennis Association or a National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapter? Or establish a school or college tennis team or program?
- Familiarize yourself with the research on how tennis benefits individuals and communities. And keep in mind, new research and data are constantly being added to this resource pool.
- Learn how decisions are made in your area, whether through your city council, school board, parks department, etc.
- Take stock of your local tennis scene: court availability, usage rates, programming, participation numbers, community impact, etc.
- Build your team: form a coalition of fellow tennis supporters who share your enthusiasm. Try to add those with specific skills, i.e. fund-raising, working with local government officials or school boards, court builders, etc.
- Reach out to key decision-makers: such as Parks & Recreation Directors, County Commissioners, School Board Members, City Council Members, Mayor’s Office, etc.
- Create a communications plan: engage your team, influencers, and local media.
- Anticipate challenges and think creatively about solutions.
How do I state the case for tennis?
Your message needs to convey how tennis facilities and programs can help solve public problems, how the sport can improve schools and the community, provide opportunities for youth, spur economic development, and improve the quality of life for all.
- Start with the facts about the sport: such as how more than 70% of all tennis is played inexpensively at public facilities; that tennis has been a core program for public park & rec departments; that tennis is a “lifetime sport,” and can be learned at a young age, etc.
- Talk about the physical, mental, and social benefits of tennis: It promotes stronger bones, reduced stress, cardiovascular fitness, new social relationships, etc. Especially for younger players, tennis promotes teamwork, social skills, sportsmanship, coordination, strategic thinking, and problem solving.
What are the benefits of playing tennis?
- Tennis provides long-term health benefits: A Mayo Clinic study (2018) shows that tennis can ad 9.7 years to a person’s life. Other studies show the risk from teach from all causes is 47% lower among those who play racquet sports, while the risk of death from heart disease or stroke is 56% lower.
- Social health benefits: Tennis creates a network of friends, especially vital today as technology can often isolate people. For our youth, tennis teaches life lessons about working together and being part of a team.
- Mental health benefits: The sport is ideal for helping participants cope with stress and relieve tension. From alertness to tactical thinking, tennis helps keep the brain agile and young.
- Inclusivity: Tennis is an inclusive sport—anyone can play, from any background. The sport can be adapted for players of any skill level or any mental, physical or emotional ability. For instance, tennis is therapeutic for individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress or other mental health issues, stroke survivors, and those on the autism spectrum.
What steps should I take in developing an advocacy project for tennis?
- Identify an issue or project that resonates with the local community.
- Develop a clear idea and objective.
- Do your research.
- Identify potential obstacles.
How do I gain support for my project?
How you propose your project to potential supporters, decision-makers and funders is as important as the nature of the proposal itself.
- Develop a narrative/story
- Identify your allies and supporters
- Build a team
- Know your audience
- Devise an action plan
- Communicate effectively
- Keep momentum alive
Where should I look for funds for my project?
Once your project is identified, estimate the costs of the proposal. Some funding options to explore include:
- Local government/school district funds
- Local bond referendums
- Grants
- Sponsorships
- USTA Tennis Venue Services
- USTA sections and districts
- USTA Foundation
- Donations and individual gifts
- Fundraising projects, events, tournaments
Where can I find more information on tennis advocacy?
USTA National Advocacy Handbook