Nonprofit boards have traditionally had a difficult time achieving inclusivity. Even when boards appoint a member, of a previously not represented group, it is a challenge to welcome and integrate him or her into the workings of the group. Here are 12 other questions you can ask to create better inclusivity.

Queer Capita is a 501(c)3 non-profit diversity development organization for LGBTQ+ professionals in the music industry. With over 450+ members employed at over 150+ companies, QueerCapita is a national DEI organization. The non-profit produces development workshops, resources, and events that shape the music industry into a space where LGBTQ+ professionals can thrive.

The often-used terms diversity, equity, and inclusion have distinct meanings. People get tripped up not only on definitions, but also on using these terms to create goals and action plans for themselves and their organizational culture. There is no better time to dig deep and establish shared, fundamental understandings to build truly supportive and effective workplaces.

Shesaid.so is a global independent community of women and gender nonconforming people in the music industry. The shesaid.so community consists of women, gender nonconforming people and ALLIES from all sectors of the music industry: from record labels, artist management companies, and booking agencies, through to technology platforms, creative agencies, composers, artists and more.

Volunteer with Music Forward and join our mission of transforming young lives, inspiring careers, and championing a more inclusive music industry. Help redefine what’s possible for the next generation of music industry leaders and innovators by sharing your insight, knowledge and skills at programs and events that connect passions to professions.

The Ctrl Room Series, powered by Gender Amplified, Inc. and the Warner Music Group Social Justice Fund, is a music production camp designed to bring incredible women-identifying and non-binary producers, songwriters and other creatives together with the intention of making great music, networking and learning in community.

Unfortunately, there is nowhere more apparent where our unconscious bias plays out than during the recruitment process; when recruiters are told time and again to ‘trust your gut’ – to rely on and make decisions based on our intuition. But as you’ll discover later on, intuition is based on, yup, you guessed it, unconscious bias.

The purpose of the IDEA committee is to create and share resources for members to use in their efforts to work toward greater equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility; to amplify initiatives launched by other groups and organizations within the entertainment industry; and encourage venues, promoters, and festivals to prioritize and support IDEA work and initiatives within their businesses and communities.

SafeBar Alliance provides education and bystander intervention training to participating bars and drinking establishments, and strengthens relationships that prioritize community safety. Its goal is to keep both bar staff and patrons safer from predatory behavior, harassment, and sexual assault.

Location: Kansas, remote trainings available

Practical tips and resources for independent venues, promoters and festivals, curated by NIVA's DEI Taskforce

A list of organizations working on Diversity and Inclusion in the Music and Audio Industry, provided by Soundgirls.

Music Forward inspires ambition and creates a momentum to redefine what’s possible for the young people and the industry we serve. Focusing on young people ages 12-22 in underserved communities, we set the stage for success by providing workshops and showcases to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders, innovators, and artists.

Most of the tools and articles on organizational implementation of DEI principles cover topics about boards, bylaws, and hiring practices. But what about DEI and finance? What are the links between them? Inequitable and unjust practices easily and unconsciously embed into systems and structures around payroll and finance. Let’s talk about 4 areas where you can examine your financial operations relative to DEI.

Despite our reliance on people, we have a bunch of no good, very bad habits in hiring. This includes a terrible habit that many of us have, one that perpetuates gender and other inequities, and increases the power imbalance between employers and employees: Not listing salary ranges on job postings, and putting “DOE,” which stands for “Depending On Experience” instead.

Bodies of Culture is a diverse group of musicians and professionals advocating for equity in Colorado's music Industry. We are dedicated to evolving the local music ecosystem to create a more equitable future for young artists and our peers by identifying and closing EID gaps and establishing a culture of belonging and solidarity.

Location: Colorado

An interactive website offering recommendations for a number of different areas related to DEI in the workplace. While they are mostly geared toward tech companies, each area includes case studies and other helpful articles and resources at the bottom of the specific suggestions provided. As a result, we think this is a great resource for folks in any industry.

Nightlife United is an industry resource and advocacy non-profit coalition established by and for the Nightlife community. Our community-based actions cultivate a prosperous industry that serves as an inclusive platform for self expression and social cohesion. NU’s mission is to foster safety, diversity, and sustainability in this ecosystem of underserved cultural workers while working towards a thriving and equitable Nightlife culture.

AMEE unites organizations to identify and implement actions that address diversity, equity, and inclusivity in music education in Denver in a collective, transformational, measurable, and sustainable manner.

Location: Denver, CO

shesaid.so is a global independent community of women and gender nonconforming people in the music industry. The Alt List was started as a response to Billboard’s Power 100 List with the aim to challenge conventional music industry standards. It has now evolved from a symbolic stance in defiance of its original counterpart to a celebration for traditionally underrepresented communities such as women, people of color, with disabilities, people from emerging markets, LGBTQ and so on.

A free online resource for powerful, effective LGBTQ awareness and ally training workshops. Provides an entire curriculum around creating safe spaces for people of all sexualities and gender identities. Can’t afford a DEI educator? The Safe Zone Project gives you all the resources you need to facilitate these activities yourself.