Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)

At the New Orchestra of Washington, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees, performers, board members, and volunteers are valued and respected, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability. NOW respects and values diverse life experiences and heritages and works to ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

NOW strives to:

  • See inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as integral to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our staff, performers, and volunteers, as well as the communities we serve.

  • Acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services, and continually update and report organizational progress.

  • Support board-level thinking about the impact of systemic inequities and how best to address that in a way that is consistent with our mission.

  • Practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions.

  • Create opportunities for more diverse leadership and participation within our staff, performers, and board, including hiring and recruitment.

  • Lead with respect and tolerance by expecting all employees, performers, board members, and volunteers to demonstrate these qualities in everyday practices.

  • Model diversity and inclusion practices for other similar nonprofit arts organizations.

NOW undertakes the following actions to promote diversity and inclusion:

  • Showcase performers and composers from underrepresented communities—highlighting their contributions to the music world overall.

  • Improve our cultural leadership pipeline by creating and supporting programs that foster participation in the arts by the broadest possible constituencies.

  • Pool resources and expand offerings for underrepresented constituents by partnering with other organizations committed to diversity and inclusion efforts.