In so many ways, 2021 was a restart for PUMP. In 2020 we had to change or completely stop so many of the programs for which we are known. But that allowed our creativity to shine. Though the PSL courts and fields may have been empty, we still continued our vital community engagement work. The advocacy carried on, even as we were speaking with leaders and collecting signatures digitally and virtually.
We carried our knowledge and experience gained by navigating 2020 headfirst into 2021. And we were able to get out, get connected and get engaged again. It was exciting to fully return to all of the things that fuel PUMP.
As we look to next year, we are energized to build on this year’s successes. We hope that you will join us and commit to keep the momentum going. Your donation to our annual Activate for PUMP campaign will ensure that we have a greater impact on our community in 2022.
Here are highlights from some of this year’s advocacy, civic, social, and recreational programs.
We Continued the Fight
Legislative and Issue Advocacy
- Paid Family and Medical Leave — Advocated for paid family and medical leave to support workers in Pennsylvania and nationwide and ensure that no one has to choose between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one.
- Parks for All — Served on the Mellon Park Action Plan Advisory Committee to create a unified vision for the park based on community and municipal priorities for park restoration, developments, and activity, as part of our commitment to equitable improvements to Pittsburgh’s parks.
- Transgender Rights in Sports — Adopted a formal position of support for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary participation in sports, further advancing our existing trans-inclusive policies and practices and preparing us to take direct action in allyship with the trans community.
- Pro-Voter Agenda — Partnered with All Voting is Local to call on the Allegheny County Board of Elections to adopt a pro-voter agenda to improve election infrastructure and policies, protect voting rights, and make voting more accessible.
We Got Back Out Into the Community
- PUMPed to Run — Offered programs at 3 shelters, provided clothes and shoes to 26 individuals, and launched 1st ever mental health winter programming with Open Up Pittsburgh at 1 shelter. In total, 17 participants, 23 mentors, and 3 support volunteers completed 3,117 minutes working out and 128 miles walked/run.
- Navidad in Pittsburgh — Recruited volunteers to sponsor 20 children for the Latino Community Center’s annual gift drive at the end of 2020.
- 90 for 90 — Co-sponsored the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh’s 90th anniversary celebration, including co-hosting three community bike rides and a multi-day summit.
- PSL Service Projects — 3 clean ups, 46 volunteers, and 35+ bags of trash collected.
We Got Together Again
- Steel City World Cup — Returned in 2021 with 20 teams representing 17 countries in celebration of Pittsburgh’s vibrant and glowing global community through soccer. Raised $1,500 to support Open Field’s local youth soccer programming.
- Kickball for a Cause — Returned in 2021 with 24 teams to raise awareness and $9,000+ in funds shared between Book ‘Em and Homeless Children’s Education Fund.
- 40 Under 40 Awards — Honored and celebrated an outstanding, resilient class of 40 young leaders transforming Pittsburgh in partnership with Pittsburgh Magazine.
We Returned to the Field
- 11 adult co-ed recreational sports and 120 leagues were able to get back into the fields and into the gyms, including our newest sport Pickleball.
- 863 teams and 10,778 participants came together to enjoy recreational sports and the Pittsburgh parks.
- Innumerable cleats laced, sweatbands worn, and points scored.
All of these numbers are so encouraging as we look forward to all we will do in 2022 and we hope you will join us. Please consider a year end donation to our Activate for PUMP campaign. There’s still time to help us to reach our goal. Thank you for all you do to support the PUMP mission!