Wat is 3X3 Unites?
Play, Unite & Empower
3X3 Unites is een maatschappelijke organisatie die in hun kracht zet via de snelst groeiende urban teamsport ter wereld namelijk 3x3 basketball. Sinds 2016 gebruiken we deze dynamische sport als middel om jongeren te bereiken, te verbinden en te versterken op het veld én daarbuiten.
Onze missie is helder: jongeren perspectief bieden door hen eigenaarschap te geven over hun eigen toekomst. We leiden hen op tot 3X3 Leaders – rolmodellen die activiteiten organiseren op pleintjes in hun buurt en anderen inspireren. Via programma’s zoals de 3X3 Leader Course, de 3X3 Academy en de 3X3 Mentor Course ontwikkelen jongeren waardevolle life skills zoals veerkracht, leiderschap, samenwerking en zelfvertrouwen.
3X3 Leader Course
Elk jaar starten we door heel Nederland een groot aantal 3X3 Leader Courses. Speerpunten van deze achtweekse opleiding zijn onder andere: 3X3 kennis, community building, rolmodel zijn/worden, positief coachen, één-op-één contact met jongeren en het organiseren van hun eigen evenement.
Daarnaast leren we de deelnemers om de Life Skills te herkennen bij anderen en het goed toepassen hiervan te belonen.
Met meer dan 1.000 opgeleide 3X3 Leaders in 40+ gemeenten door heel Nederland, organiseert 3X3 Unites wekelijkse activiteiten op tientallen pleintjes. Deze jongeren zetten zich in als rolmodel in hun buurt en bouwen aan een inclusieve community waarin iedereen welkom is ongeacht achtergrond, gender of ervaring.
Of je nu komt voor sport, ontwikkeling of verbinding: bij 3X3 Unites begint jouw reis
Empowerment as our gamechanger
“Inclusion really begins when everybody participates”
Inclusion isn’t just something that “happens.” It’s something we continuously need to face. On the court, in school, at work, in your neighborhood when every time you listen, stand up for someone, or welcome a different point of view, you’re changing the game. Within 3X3 Unites we also make this work; by training talented young people to become 3X3 Leaders. For example, with our Made to Play program, we offer the same opportunities for boys and girls by providing more young girls with a safe space to move, play sports, and develop.
Scroll further to read what inclusion means to us, why it matters and how you can get involved!
Why does it matter?
You’ve probably heard things like:
“But like where are you really from?”
or
“You’re shooting like a girl.”
These comments may seem small, but they can make people feel small too. Whether in sport or in life, no one should feel like they are on the outside looking in and face microaggressions; but unfortunately a lot of people are living in this reality. Currently:
- In many places, women get paid less money than men for doing the same job.
- Kids from lower-income families often don't get the same chances to go to school or finish their education.
- Some groups face unfair treatment just because of their skin color or where they come from.
- People with disabilities face more challenges; for example, they often find it harder to get jobs and may not get the support they need.
It is when we really see and include people from different backgrounds, genders, abilities, cultures, religions, and ways of seeing the world, that we create space for everyone to grow. Inclusion helps us understand each other better; helps us challenge bias; build trust; and unlock potential!
According to studies:
- Teams that include everyone are .
- Communities that value different voices are .
On its surface, inclusion can seem straightforward - but there are actually many different aspects which could be taken into consideration when trying to work with inclusion. Here’s what inclusion can look like, through the eyes of our young Leaders:
Cultural Inclusion
At 3X3 Unites, we celebrate the mix of cultures, languages, and it brings us a mix of culture onto and off the courts. We share stories, show each other mutual respect and create real connections with each other.
Gender Inclusion
We don’t just invite women and girls. We also give them a space to participate, make sure their voices are heard and that their leadership is visible. It is about creating an equal space and shared responsibility; and we do so through special programs, like the Girls Only program. The girls from the first official girls course for example did this video, as a legacy for future girls doing the course. You can also learn more about the program here.
Dis/Ability Inclusion
Inclusion means adjusting the game, not the player. At 3X3 Unites, every kind of ability has a place. We work together to make participation possible and so that everyone can lead in their own way, such as through the Minds of Unites program. You can learn more about the program here.
Youth Leadership
Young people aren’t just the future; they’re the now! Inclusion means giving youth the tools and trust to lead today and empower others. At 3X3 Unites we empower Leaders to unleash their potential and talents; from designing merchandise and courts, to creating videos. We trust them with real responsibility and watch them empower others in the process.
Now it’s up to you!
1. Become a Leader
Join 3X3 Unites programs and contribute to a more inclusive (sports) world. Learn how you can make a difference in your neighbourhood. You can find the stories of our Leaders here!
Become one yourself by signing up through this link.
2. Make your voice heard
Help make space for others in your community - like Janice does! Because true inclusion starts with recognition and talking with others.
3. Join a community
Look beyond the scoreboard. Practice seeing the world from an inclusive perspective in your own circles; whether that be your sports team, workplace, school, or neighbourhood.