Carrie Kehring: A Trailblazer in Sports Safety and Advocacy
Carrie Kehring’s journey is as inspiring as it is groundbreaking. From her humble beginnings in Northern Idaho to becoming a national advocate against sexual abuse in sports, Kehring’s story is one of resilience and fearless leadership. Her personal experiences shaped her commitment to creating safer sports environments, particularly for young athletes at risk of abuse.
From Personal Tragedy to Advocacy
Kehring's crusade began with a personal crisis. Her daughter was exploited by a trusted coach, leading Carrie to take matters into her own hands. Thus, #WeRideTogether was born, an initiative aimed at raising awareness on sexual misconduct in sports. Initially envisioned as a small venture, the movement snowballed when countless individuals shared their similar experiences. #WeRideTogether now stands as an award-winning nonprofit focusing on education, prevention, and support for victims.
The Challenge of Funding and Innovation in Nonprofits
For all its impact, #WeRideTogether faced an uphill battle in garnering sufficient funding. The sensitive subject of sexual abuse often deterred potential corporate sponsors, creating financial limitations. But Kehring’s innovative spirit prevailed with the creation of Three Mares. This parent company, comprising for-profit businesses – Dreamers & Schemers, ManeJane, and The TackHack – was designed to sustain #WeRideTogether by channeling profits back into the nonprofit, proving that entrepreneurship can power social impact.
Addressing a Widespread Crisis in Sports
The call for change is deafening, with statistics showing that over 50% of athletes experience abuse, a figure that Kehring is determined to overturn. She argues that sports should empower athletes, not endanger them. Her work demands transparency, healthy coaching, and making sports accessible to all athletes, irrespective of background – a vision crucial for the evolution of sports.
Three Mares: A Sustainable Model for Social Impact
By integrating business and nonprofit missions, Three Mares sets a precedent for other organizations. It showcases how profits from business ventures can fuel programs targeting prevention and victim services, thereby ensuring a steady stream of funds. Kehring’s ambition is to contribute at least $1 million to nonprofits dedicated to children’s well-being over the next decade.
Broadening the Impact: Culture Change in Sports
Kehring’s work extends beyond just providing immediate help to victims; it seeks to revolutionize the sports culture itself. Through campaigns and educational initiatives, #WeRideTogether empowers sports communities to recognize and dismantle power imbalances. Her efforts resonate with the growing recognition within sporting circles of the crucial need to prioritize athlete safety.
Conclusion
Carrie Kehring embodies bold creativity and compassionate leadership, reshaping the sports landscape as we know it. Her seamless blend of personal insight, nonprofit advocacy, and business acumen fosters a multi-dimensional approach to tackling sexual abuse in sports. By championing empowerment and inclusivity, she presents a dynamic blueprint for sustainable social change, encouraging communities to unite towards creating safer, healthier sporting arenas for future generations.
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