The Black Lives Matter movement in June 2020 was a global call to action. As a company based in the music industry, Some Voices recognises that we have a responsibility to acknowledge Black culture and stand by all Black musicians, artists, singers, Some Voices choir leaders and members in the fight against racism.
In response to the movement and input from our members, we took the time to think proactively about how we can continue our work to make Some Voices the inclusive and accessible organisation it commits itself to being.
Part of our initial reflection was identifying the need to have more voices represented and expertise to help us as we develop our practices. To address this, we chose to form our first Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG).
What is the Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG)?
The role of the IAG is to provide critical friendship to the Some Voices Management Team; to apply their experience, knowledge and networks of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to support Some Voices on our journey to making positive changes across the organisation.
The IAG will formulate recommendations for the Management Team’s consideration, providing advice and expertise to support decision-making. If applicable, members of the IAG will be called upon for their specific knowledge of an area of EDI which may include an introduction to networks, organisations or individuals, research or idea sharing. The IAG will be asked to discuss a number of areas; from developing an agreed lexicon to helping us identify barriers which might stop people joining Some Voices.
“The IAG is already a really special place; we listen to each other intently and there seems to be a true respect for everyone's experience and contribution. We've all got very different perspectives and I think that's going to make us a strong and effective team.”
Chloe Green, IAG member.
How was the IAG formed?
We announced that we were looking for individuals who have experience of working or singing with Some Voices and would like to apply their personal or professional experience and passion for upholding EDI in the Arts. Our aim was to gain representatives from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to those with protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010). We called upon individuals who felt that they could add their voice to the IAG to make a positive change through proactive action and strategies.
We received a number of high-quality applications from individuals with a variety of personal and professional experiences and 10 people were selected by a panel consisting of 12 of the Some Voices choir leaders.
“I am happy to be able to share personal and professional work-related experiences to benefit the future direction of Some Voices, while I indulge my passion in singing. I would like to be part of a group welcoming people of diverse backgrounds, like myself, to feel encouraged to be part of this phenomenal choir.”
Patricia Forrester, IAG member
What are the next steps for the IAG?
Since its formation in September the IAG have met twice on Zoom to share their experiences of Some Voices and their ideas for how we can develop our practices. The ideas and expertise shared by the IAG will help form a Positive Action Plan which we will share on our website and implement over the following few months.
“I get super excited about talking and thinking with people about how to make the world around us a more open, welcoming, kind, caring and ultimately loving place. So, I was naturally excited to take up this opportunity to be part of a group of thoughtful and experienced people who are working to make Some Voices, my beloved Some Voices, even more open, vibrant, and loving. Despite being in its early stages, the IAG is already exceeding my expectations and my hopes and has already started to make a difference.”
Steve Mulley, IAG member
