are you our next board member?
Be part of an organisation that is committed to closing the gender gap in music.
Board Members (Up to three voluntary positions available)
YoWo Music is seeking expressions of interest to appoint Board Members in a volunteer capacity in 2023.
ABOUT YOWO MUSIC:
YoWo Music is a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne. Our mission is to eradicate gender disparity in Australian Music by empowering the next generation of young female and gender-diverse musicians to pursue careers in music.
Research shows girls often quit playing instruments somewhere between childhood and university. So YoWo Music created a mentor-led program that supports and inspires young women to continue playing music throughout high school. Since 2015, YoWo has run its innovative band program for young women and gender diverse youth aged 12-18.
Under the guidance of dedicated mentors, participants play in a band, write original songs and perform gigs. All mentors are active female and gender-diverse musicians, acting as role models to demonstrate ‘if you can see it, you can be it’. YoWo gives participants a broad range of musical skills and opportunities, providing them with a solid foundation to develop a viable career in music.
YoWo Music has been building a community of local musicians, teachers, aspiring musicians, parents and the music industry who are all working towards closing the gender gap in music. Over seven years, we’ve had 52 bands through the semester-long program, released two albums, and had alumni accepted into VCA, VCASS and form their own highly successful bands.
In a male-dominated industry, YoWo Music sheds light on successful female musicians and industry professionals. At YoWo, we use expertise and enthusiasm to inspire the younger generation, ultimately contributing to gender diversity and youth participation in the contemporary music scene.
After five years of successfully executing its mission, YoWo Music has started a new chapter of expansion, securing multi-year funding earlier last year. The YoWo Board hired a CEO, its first year-round staff member, to lead the organisation into a new era.
THE POSITION:
YoWo Music is a registered charity and an incorporated association governed by a Board of (a minimum) five members. We are currently looking to grow our Board and broaden our expertise with the skillset of up to three new Board members.
We seek people from diverse backgrounds interested in Australian music, passionate to make changes in gender equity, and wishing to actively support the organisation as it moves into its exciting next phase of organisational growth.
Prior experience on a non-profit board or committee is preferred. Applications are encouraged by First Nations people with a variety of skills and knowledge.
It is acknowledged that being a Board Member is done so on a voluntary basis and that no payment or compensation is offered for this role.
YOUR COMMITMENT
In consultation with the CEO and other board members, the duties of board members will include:
Attending five board meetings each year (in-person in Collingwood, VIC)
Participating in strategic planning activity
Assisting with fundraising campaigns
Attending at least one YoWo gig or event per year
Engaging in the ongoing governance of the organisation and actively contributing to the planning of goals and strategies
Please forward your CV and a short response to this EOI to CEO Sarah Rafferty at sarah@yowomusic.com to register your interest.