Modern Marimba is dedicated to dismantling oppression by removing barriers that impact marginalized communities within our organization. Our Board of Directors, music creators, educators, and staff are deeply committed to work that directly benefits our local community.
We openly recognize the challenges posed by the nonprofit industrial complex and intentionally strive to minimize our participation in systems that cause harm.
Beginning in the 2020/2021 season, Modern Marimba Concert Series, Inc. commits to ensuring that 75% of its assets, Board, staff, and programs are led by, represent, and serve people from historically marginalized communities, including:
- BIPOC
- LGBTQ2IA+
- People with disabilities
- People from working class and poor backgrounds
- Women
Modern Marimba’s Board of Directors commits to ongoing dialogue and decisive action to end oppression within our musical ecosystem. We will conduct regular surveys, measure our impact transparently, and remain accountable to the local community.
Should we fail to meet these commitments, Modern Marimba will dissolve at the conclusion of the 2030/31 season, with its assets entrusted to nonprofit organizations in Sarasota doing this work.
Read our Equity Guidelines for our Board of Directors.
Definitions
Modern Marimba provides the following definitions to clarify our commitment to inclusion and foster a genuine sense of belonging within our community.
Anti-racism is the active practice of recognizing and opposing racism to promote racial equity.
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The term highlights the unique histories, experiences, and ongoing systemic inequities faced by Black and Indigenous communities while also acknowledging solidarity with all people of color.
Belonging is the support, connectedness, and community experience shared among peers and colleagues. It is built through intentional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that nurture a strong foundation for community.
Disability is a physical, mental, sensory, or cognitive condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or a condition that affects full participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Diversity encompasses social differences such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, ability, culture, politics, religion, marital status, and other group affiliations.
Equity means acknowledging and addressing the ongoing effects of systemic prejudice and discrimination that continue to harm Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities.
Inclusive practices involve active, intentional, and equitable engagement across a diverse community. By meaningfully embracing this diversity, we foster greater awareness and understanding of how individuals and small organizations interact with larger systems and institutions. Building these capacities not only helps address past injustices but also creates a foundation for equitable success at the local, national, and global levels.
LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the “+” represents other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that are not specifically listed. It affirms the spectrum of identities beyond heterosexual and cisgender norms.
Oppression is the systemic and prolonged exercise of power and privilege by one group over another, resulting in the denial of rights, unequal treatment, and restricted access to opportunities, resources, and social participation.
Poor are individuals or households who lack sufficient income or resources to meet basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, often living at or below the poverty line.
Social justice refers to fair treatment and respect for all, especially marginalized groups, and the equitable distribution of resources in areas such as healthcare, gender equality, reproductive rights, education, employment, and voting. It also calls for personal responsibility to work collaboratively toward peace and positive social change.
Women are adult human beings who identify as female, encompassing a diversity of biological, social, and gender identities. The term recognizes both the biological category of female and the social and cultural roles, experiences, and identities associated with womanhood.
Working class refers to people who earn a living primarily through wage labor, often in jobs that involve manual, industrial, or service work, rather than owning businesses or significant capital.