Cultural Equity and Inclusion Statement
Cultural Equity and Inclusion Statement
Mountainside Master Chorale continually works towards providing a safe and inclusive environment for both its performers and audiences. MMC strives to nurture a culture of participation in the planning, decision-making and evaluation of its organization without regard to age, ethnicity, gender ( including gender identity), and sexual orientation.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
At Mountainside Master Chorale, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our mission is to ensure everyone from our performers, audience members, staff, and volunteers feels valued and respected, regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, or any other aspect of identity.
Inclusive Practices in Our Community:
Performance and Repertoire Selection: We prioritize diversity in our performances, ensuring that our repertoire reflects a wide array of cultures, languages, and historical perspectives. This includes featuring works by underrepresented composers and stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Participatory Decision-Making: We believe in participatory governance, where decisions are made with the input of all members of our community. This includes transparent and inclusive processes for planning, decision-making, and evaluation, allowing voices from all backgrounds to be heard and considered.
Accessibility and Accommodations: We are dedicated to making our performances and events accessible to all, including those with disabilities. This commitment extends to providing accommodations such as sign language interpretation, accessible seating, and materials in multiple formats.
Inclusive and Safe Environment: We work to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone. This involves training our staff and volunteers in cultural sensitivity, as well as implementing policies against discrimination and harassment.
Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement: We understand that cultural equity and inclusion are ongoing processes. We regularly evaluate our practices and seek feedback from our community to continuously improve and adapt our strategies.
Community Partnerships: We collaborate with community organizations and groups that represent diverse populations to broaden our reach and deepen our impact.
Representation and Leadership: We strive for diversity in our leadership and representation within our organization, ensuring that different perspectives are included at all levels.
Financial Accessibility: We offer sliding scale ticket pricing and scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from enjoying our performances or participating in our programs.
Open Invitation to Dialogue:
We invite an open dialogue with our community to continually learn, grow, and adapt. Mountainside Master Chorale is not simply about music; it's about building a community where everyone belongs and where the power of music bridges cultural divides. Together, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive world.