Anthem, Fever Target Social Justice
(photo courtesy of the Indiana Fever)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo hometown teams in Indianapolis have forged a multi-year partnership focusing on health, leadership, and advocacy with special attention given to social justice. The Indiana Fever and Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc. (NYSE: ANTM) say the initiative will address issues in under-resourced communities.
“Chronic racial disparities and issues of equity are challenges that require bold strategy, and the Fever remain committed…to address these gaps,” said Indiana Fever President Allison Barber.
A cornerstone of the program is an academic element for professional athletes to become advocates for change. The two organizations are collaborating on the “Athlete to Advocate” professional executive certificate program.
It was developed and will be led by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI. It is designed to equip professional athletes to become effective advocates.
“The Athlete to Advocate program is part of our school’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with our partners in Central Indiana and around the world to support those who are working to achieve lasting change and make the world more just,” said Amir Pasic, dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI.
The program intends to prepare athletes to raise social awareness of the causes they support and enhance their philanthropic activities and advocacy through their highly-visible platform as professional athletes.
The partnership with the Fever is one of four WNBA franchise partnerships launched by Anthem, with New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta rounding out the list.