National Association for Girls and Women in Sport

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Written on Tuesday, 05 March 2013

(Youth1) -The National Association for Girls and Women in Sport organization (NAGWS) was built to increase a diverse membership of people who are active, involved and knowledgeable. They want to raise awareness of how legal, political and social justice issues impact ALL girls and women in sports. They’re also an advocate for U.S government laws and policies.

Being a member means getting the opportunity to have access to relevant research advocacy, leadership development, educational strategies and programming in a manner that promotes social justice and change. The organization started in 1899 and has addressed equal funding, quality and respect for women’s sports programs. Their efforts have led to the passage of Title IX legislation and to national championship programs in collegiate women’s sports. 

The NAGWS was very instrumental in the passing of Title IX legislation and they continue every day to maintain the promise of Title IX with many programs and material. They try to make sure Title IX is enforced in every area by addressing the equity issues.They’re also increasing girls and women’s participation in sports through their co-sponsored program, National Girls and Women in Sports Day. It is a program that happens every year across the nation and provides everyone with ideas for organizing activities in your community. NAGWS is associated with other organizations like US Olympic Committee, Professional Association for Volleyball Officials, NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA. 

NAGWS hosts numerous workshops and seminars at the regional, state and local levels every year. They present at AAHPERD's National Convention program on coaching, college and university physical education, children's and secondary school physical education and curriculum development. You can contribute to NAGWS articles and books for publication and research papers for presentation at NAGWS events, which is prestigious exposure that is highly regarded by academic institutions.

The NAGWS awards program includes the Pathfinder Awards - honoring those who advocate, recruit, and enhance opportunities for girls and women in sports and sport leadership. Additionally, the Presidential Awards honor exceptional contributions to the profession and the association. NAGWS has heightened the status of women's basketball with the awarding of its Wade Trophy to the most outstanding female, senior collegiate basketball player in the areas of athleticism, academics and community service.

As a part of Youth1's 2013 “Year of the Girl” Campaign, we ask you to look further into the NAGWS and become a member of an organization ready to transform girl’s and women’s sports. 

 By: Clarisse Kabongo