Behind the scenes chat/resources/question moderator: Esther Williams
This session is specifically meant to be attended by those who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People Of Color). The goal of this gathering is to create a safe space where we will share experiences about being BIPOC and about being BIPOC double reed practitioners and enthusiasts.
In light of recent events that have affected the USA, the world, our organization and our members, we stand by the belief that the only way to create change is to look at our history with honesty, recognize the mistakes made, and commit to measurable and specific strategies that will in time bring balance and fairness to all IDRS members. Like most spaces, the International Double Reed Society recognizes that it has historically been implicitly biased and has not been racially or gender inclusive in its programming nor in its decision making.
Because of the reasons mentioned above, for the DRS 1st Virtual Symposium we are creating affinity spaces, one for those who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color) and one for those who self-identify as women. Affinity spaces are locations where groups of people come together because of a shared, strong interest or engagement in a common activity. The affinity spaces below are two small ways for IDRS to learn to recognize the value and contributions of BIPOC and women in our field.