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“Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force” at Pacific Ballroom Dance

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Blog | 0 comments

Looking for volunteers

On January 21, 2019, the Pacific Ballroom Dance Board of Directors, with the support of executive director Roxanne Nielsen, voted in favor of forming a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force to look critically at PBD for structural inequalities and to support PBD’s 5-year strategic plan goal to “build the student population in diversity and size.”
The purpose of the Diversity Task Force is to help bring about cultural, and possibly ethical, changes necessary within Pacific Ballroom Dance. Members of the task force will ask and answer questions such as: Do the students, staff, and board members reflect the larger community in which we operate? If not, what needs to change, and how?

The first meeting took place virtually on February 11th at 6:30 pm with staff members, community volunteers, parents, and board members attending. Roxanne Nielsen facilitated a discussion about what DEI means within Pacific Ballroom Dance. Those present helped identify areas of growth, strategies and tactics for improvement.  Tactics included date nights with free babysitting, offering “Come As You Are” concert shown free in schools, free virtual performances, regular teaching of cultural background of dances, a multicultural exchange/festival, salsa nights, daytime tea dances for seniors, and free or very low cost summer camps. 

The task force will meet quarterly in May, August, November, and February each year.   If you are interested in serving on the Diversity Task Force, please contact Roxanne Nielsen at roxanne@pacificballroom.org.