We Hear You!
The Drama Group believes in creating a culture of inclusion and opportunity. Since the summer of 2020, we have been working diligently to improve that culture. As we approach our 90th Anniversary (2021), the course we chart prioritizes how we will use our art, assets, and resources to contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and transparent environment for all stakeholders--both on and off stage. In looking ahead, we recognize the original commitment we made to our members, patrons, and the communities we serve of “Bringing Broadway to the South suburbs Since 1931.”
Today, we build upon that foundation of quality and caring by sharing this commitment--the foundation of an action plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), a collaborative effort involving participation at every level of the organization.
Recognizing that there were serious concerns within the membership about the structure, practices, and policies of The Drama Group, an open-forum was held to address these concerns. The Board of Directors engaged the services of Perspectives, Ltd., a consulting firm specializing in DEI, to survey the membership and supporters and create strategic guidelines for healing, thus allowing The Drama Group to move forward. Foundational 4 Pillars
● Accountability
1). Establish policies to ensure a safe, respectful, and equitable environment for all.
2). Update our policies to facilitate an on-going dialogue with our members and community partners.
3). Establish a DEI committee to ensure accountability.
● Transparency
1). Create awareness of open access to monthly board meetings
2). Create more opportunities for BIPOC voices to be heard and expressed
3). Publish guidelines for address .
● Communication
1). Publish and post monthly newsletters and Drama Group updates to Facebook, Instagram, and other social media to keep our members, patrons, and communities informed
2). Develop outreach strategies to local schools, colleges, universities, libraries, and other community institutions
3) Establish and promote more opportunities for mentorship and partnership
● Membership
1). Changing by-laws to allow for an easier transition from general membership to voting member and potential board member.
2). Engage in training new members to become comfortable with all aspects of working onstage and offstage; artistically and administratively.
3). Board Buddy--shadowing and mentoring members who may be interested in becoming a prospective board member.
As a community—
We are charged with engaging in honest conversations with all our members and the communities we serve about the way we artistically express our humanity, our history and our cultural roots.
We acknowledge that a far wider spectrum of perspectives is necessary to survive and thrive.
We commit to listening and welcoming active dialogue and championing activism and community building beyond our theatre walls.