DEAR COLLEAGUES,

WE AT PORTLAND ORFF ARE COMMITTED TO OUR ASPIRATION OF AN INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE MEMBERSHIP. WE BELIEVE THAT REPRESENTATION OF THE STUDENTS WE SERVE, ESPECIALLY OUR STUDENTS OF MINORITIZED POPULATIONS, IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE. 

We believe the music classroom should be a joyful and safe space for all our students, which can only happen when each student feels safe, welcomed, and SEEN through decolonized curricula and culturally responsive teaching practices. As such, POSA strongly denounces any actions that undermine this valuable work. To our Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ members, friends, and students: You matter, you belong, and we stand with you.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

We believe Black Lives Matter. We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, students, and families in denouncing police brutality, systemic racism, and white supremacy. We are united with AOSA’s Statement Denouncing Violence Against Black People. Your POSA board will continue to reflect on our practices as an organization, as we work to dismantle injustices from within. We encourage all AOSA members to visit AOSA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource page. 

CHANGE IS A PROCESS

The true beauty of the Schulwerk is that it is a process, not an end goal. We ask all our members who are living with privilege to listen to and uphold the voices of people who have been historically silenced. We further encourage all members to examine their racial history and biases, finding ways to grow in their personal journey as anti-racist educators. Just like the Schulwerk, this is a process. 

Change can be arduous and uncomfortable. We are not here to judge. We are here to support each other through the challenges of discomfiture in change. Your POSA board will continue to examine ways of cultivating growth as an organization, prioritizing impact over intent as we pursue that which serves the betterment of our members and the greater community. 

POSA DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SCHOLARSHIP

As one step toward the goal of elevating diverse voices within our organization and profession, our board has approved and funded a $200 Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship. Any person who self-identifies as an educator of color is welcome to apply. This is not a needs-based scholarship, and no financial information will be requested. Applicants will be selected based on responses to questions about educational goals and the student population they serve. The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship will be used toward a Level I, II, or III tuition at the Portland Orff Course. 

Apply for the POSA Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship

Just as in our classrooms, our organization is stronger when our membership reflects the beautiful diversity of our community. If you would like to be a part of this conversation, please contact us below, or email us at ptldorff@gmail.com

Most Sincerely,

Your POSA board