What's New > Belonging in NATS: Module 3 of I.D.E.A. Toolkit
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Belonging is more than just inclusion. It is about creating a space where every individual feels valued, heard, and supported. That is the guiding principle for Module 3: Belonging in NATS*, the newest installment of the NATS I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) Toolkit. As NATS continues its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable community, this module reflects on the material presented in Modules 1 and 2, and addresses how to apply this information to NATS-centric situations and scenarios.
“Module 3 reinforces our commitment to fostering a community where everyone, regardless of background, identity, or experience, feels valued and respected,” says Past President Diana Allan. “It asks all of us at NATS to actively embrace these values in our daily interactions and strive to be profoundly inclusive.”
The two prior I.D.E.A. Toolkit modules examined the complexity of language, the definition of culture, the social construct of race, privilege, implicit bias, microaggressions, and gatekeeping. Module 3 builds upon these lessons by encouraging behaviors that strengthen the NATS community, such as the commitment to providing quality student auditions and adjudication. The commitment also entails promoting diverse repertoire as well providing safe spaces through the establishment and promotion of NATS Affinity Groups.
“During the Knoxville conference we offered opportunities to learn about the intersection of positionality and identity,” says NATS President Alexis Davis-Hazell. “It requires intentional effort to dismantle barriers and emphasize connection, thereby cultivating belonging and opportunity. This module encourages us to see how aspects of social standing can coincide to create frameworks of inequality or privilege. We will continue to discover how our organizational culture can better maintain a supportive and inclusive voice community that fortifies our colleagues and students, while fostering growth in voice performance, pedagogy, and research in NATS.”
NATS members are encouraged to watch Module 3: Belonging in NATS by checking their email for the link, or logging into the “Member Home” section of the website.
In addition to the toolkit, NATS has published an I.D.E.A. Best Practices Guide. It provides written guidelines on how to create and maintain a welcoming and supportive community as well as a culture of belonging. The guide shares strategies for communicating across cultures. It gives examples of how to demonstrate value and validation in community along with ways to build inclusion for all voice teachers and professionals interested in NATS.
We thank NATS D&I Focus Group members and module content contributors for their time, feedback, and commitment to ensuring that all voices within NATS are valued and heard in an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
Albert Lee, Alexis Davis-Hazell, Amy Yeung, Anna Lantry, Carole Blankenship, Caroline Schiller, Darryl Taylor, Diana Allan, Eiji Miura, Elizabeth Benson, Elizabeth Eschen, Ellie Escher, Emily Martin, Gregory Brookes, Greta Pope, Hannah Murray, Holly Bewlay, Isai Jess Munoz, James Martin, Jeffrey Carter, Jeremy Blackwood, Jessica Posada, Jessica Usherwood, Jill Terhaar Lewis, Joey Holland-Garcia, Jonathan Walker-Vankuren, Katherine Jolly, Katie Tupper, Kayla Gautereaux, Lily Guerrero, Loraine Sims, Marcía Porter, Marisa Naismith, Michael Preacely, Michael Walsh, Paula Patterson, Paulina Villareal, Phyllis Lewis-Hale, Rae-Myra Hilliard, Rebecca Pieper, Sam Handley, Sandra Oberoi, Sonya Baker, Stephen Ng, Sylvia Stoner, Tricia Toledo, Triniece Robinson-Martin, and San-ky Kim.
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