A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION Addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has risen to a new level of consciousness, both locally and nationally. Several prominent area organizations—most notably Muskegon Community College and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County—have demonstrated strong commitment to this cause. With connections to both organizations through shared board membership and other factors, WMS has gained new awareness and has been working quietly but intentionally to address this need for several years. An initial inflection point was the 2018 adoption of our Statement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, followed by the convening of a new Leadership Council to explore ways to instill these values into our programming and community engagement. Last season, we took the next step. A dedicated task force of Board, musicians and staff—under the guidance of a professional facilitator—spent the eight months between November and June developing a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework. Coincidentally, the League of American Orchestras—our industry’s primary service organization—was undergoing a similar process at almost the same time. Because of our membership in the League, we were able to compare and contrast our findings, benefitting from their wider resources and experience. Intentional DEI work is incredibly challenging and humbling, and we freely admit that we have much to learn. We firmly believe in the universal value and relevance of the classical music art form, and we are committed to the process of dismantling the cultural and social barriers that inhibit many from experiencing it. The resulting DEI Framework, summarized below, was adopted by the Board of Directors in June and is now being incorporated into all of our strategic and operational planning.
DEI Steering Committee Leaders: Deanna Rolffs (facilitator), Music Director Scott Speck, CEO Andy Buelow, Board Chair Susan Cloutier-Crain, Noele Stith (facilitator)
BELIEFS
• Music and the arts increase belonging and connection • DEI work is essential to achieving our vision of a music-infused West Michigan • We have historically been a majority-white organization and art form, and we are committed to becoming more inclusive • Through DEI work we will bring new repertoire, new voices, and new relationships to the table
GOAL I
Become a community leader in advancing equity and inclusion through advocacy, dialogue and partnerships • Increase engagement with and attendance by underrepresented audiences and neighborhoods. Develop and deepen relationships with organizations led by and/or reaching underrepresented people.
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