ASO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
ASO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
The Anderson Symphony Orchestra believes that art is for everyone. ASO supports inclusion for all, and is committed to celebrating our differences, honoring the unique perspectives and contributions of varied music communities by offering culturally diverse and varied music experiences.
Music is the sound of diversity at work; the lyrical movement of inclusion that enhances wholeness and brings joy. ASO is committed to sharing music as friends; music of diverse origins, music that reaches everyone in our community. We are committed to creating equitable opportunities in work and play for our musicians, guest artists, staff, volunteers and community.
ASO Board Diversity Policy
Respect for all is at the core of who we are as an arts organization. We believe the arts thrive in an atmosphere of inclusivity, support and respect. The Anderson Symphony Orchestra is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, musicians, guest artists, audience and community members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, education, disability, sexual orientation or identity.
The Anderson Symphony Orchestra board is committed to the following principles and vision for creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization:
- We are committed to recognizing and addressing inequities in our policies, programs and services.
- We commit to question pathways to employment for individuals who might desire to apply, but have not previously had access, including differently abled individuals.
- We commit to being transparent about diversity in all our interactions.
- We commit to dedicating our time and resources to expanding greater diversity within our board, employees, patrons, vendors and volunteers.
- We commit to leading with respect and acceptance, and we expect all employees and volunteers to express this in their work within our organization.
- We commit to expanding our outreach to diverse and underserved communities in all aspects of our organization.
- We commit to seeking out diverse participation and perspectives in strategic planning development to minimize unintended discrimination and/or other actions that could undermine our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Anderson Symphony Orchestra is committed to the following action items to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and play:
- We will maintain a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and a DEI report will be a standing action item on the board agenda.
- We will continue cultivating an evolving DEI policy that aligns diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts with ASO’s strategic goals and objectives.
- We will provide diversity training for our board and senior leadership.
- We will update our website, social media, and marketing materials to outwardly affirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- We will actively partner with outside experts and organizations to assist in hiring minority musicians, applicants, and guest artists.
- We will address inequities to provide greater access for differently abled employees, patrons, and volunteers.
- We will transparently communicate contracting opportunities with diverse suppliers and vendors to promote access for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.
- We will increase access for our underrepresented constituents through strategic community partnerships with organizations dedicated to efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Anderson Symphony Orchestra believes art is for everyone.
BOARD
Diversity in leadership provides a firm foundation for building an inclusive organization.
ASO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion begins with setting the tone from the top, starting with the Board of Directors. We acknowledge that good governance principles and sustainable development require independence, transparency, flexibility and diversity at Board level. One of the main responsibilities of the Nomination Committee is identifying, evaluating, and selecting candidates for the Board using objective criteria. The Board strives to ensure that its membership reflects diversity in its broadest sense. A combination of culture, demographics, skills, experience, race, age, gender, educational and professional background are important for providing a range of perspectives to overcome challenges and support good decision making.
MARKETING
When people see themselves in messages, they are more likely to feel they belong.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in marketing is not just about creating messages that represent people from a variety of backgrounds. It helps ensure that promotional activities reflect the society we are a part of, and to avoid offensive references to race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. When people recognize themselves in messages, they are more likely to respond.
Education
Arts education ensures that everyone has access to art.
We acknowledge that education plays an enormous role in gaining access. To that end, we are committed to developing innovative educational programs and collaborations that seek to inspire, and give access to our entire community.
PROGRAMMING
Diverse programming expands access for all.
We acknowledge that inequities have created perceived and actual barriers to the arts. The ASO is committed to expanding access to our entire community to enrich lives through beautiful music and inclusive programming.
To this end, the ASO will partner with experts in the field, and in our community, to aid us in expanding access in programming, performance and attendance for BIPOC and other underrepresented peoples. We are committed to intentional, innovative programming featuring a broad range of music to reflect the rich and varied cultures of the world while expanding access to the symphony for our entire community.
STAFFING
Equitable hiring practices promote a safe and inclusive workplace.
We acknowledge that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment includes providing equitable access to staffing positions within the organization. To that end, we commit to providing access in employment opportunities and practices to folks of all races, colors, religions, sexual orientations, identities, national origins, ages and abilities. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, promotion, termination, and access to benefits and training. Employees can raise discrimination concerns and make reports to whomever within the organization they feel safe, without fear of reprisal. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive working environment for all.