ABOUT CONTACT EAST

Contact East is the Atlantic Presenters Association’s hallmark event and Atlantic Canada’s premiere performing arts booking conference. It is made up of several components, all of which are designed to enhance the presenter’s knowledge of the field. Event components include high quality showcases, provocative speakers, professional development sessions, informal meetings and networking.

Contact East provides an essential and inspiring experience for delegates bringing together regional, national and international performing arts presenters, managers, and agents, with in-demand, tour-ready arts performers to showcase contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, circus arts, comedy and youth-oriented programming.

Contact East showcases a variety of performing artists from different genres and diverse cultures and communities which is why we are looking for people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds to assess our applications.

ABOUT THE ARTIST SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Atlantic Presenters Association is seeking 5 – 7 people based in the Atlantic region to sit on its artist selection committee. Their responsibility is to select artists to perform in approximately 30 showcase and pitching spots at the 2024 Contact East conference in September.

Our organization is committed to equity practices in this process and will provide equity initiatives and support to ensure fair representation in both jurors and artists selected.

As a Contact East selection committee member you will be responsible for selecting artists/groups based on artistic merit and genre diversity, regional representation, tourability, as well as a number of equity and lived experience assessments, to showcase/pitch, i.e. perform, at the annual Contact East conference in September.  

If selected, you will be asked to commit to: 

• a short online training session (30 to 60 minutes); 
• assessing approximately 50 applications on your own;
• two half days in committee – April 3 & 4, 2024 –  online via Zoom.  

If selected you will be compensated $300 for your time.

Application Deadline: Monday, January 29, 2024.

If you have any questions about this application or the selection committee, you can contact Valerie Hillier at valerie@atlanticpresenters.ca. =

The 2024 federal budget tabled by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland yesterday included good news for the touring and presenting sector.
 
Budget 2024 proposes to provide $31 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to the Department of Canadian Heritage for the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) to help support organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series. Budget 2024 – Fairness for every generation
 
This is nearly double the current supplementary funding that has been provided to the program since 2019—from $8 million per year, the program will now receive $15.5 million per year. While substantial and essential, this funding expires in two years time, providing immediate relief but not predictable stable funding, which is what the sector needs. 
 
This funding will benefit nearly 1,600 organizations in every province and territory. It will also contribute to sustaining 78,000 cultural jobs. 
 
“We would like to thank the government for this significant boost to the CAPF program and the support it brings to presenters across the region and the country,” said Laurie Gillis, Executive Director of the Atlantic Presenters Association (APA). “The two-year limit on the funds means that we need to continue to advocate for the live performing arts sector and work with our government partners to do what we can to make this investment permanent going forward.”
 
The APA is thankful for the work and support of the 30 member #FutureOfLive coalition that has worked diligently advocating on behalf of the live performing arts sector. Their leadership united our voices, making a real impact on the budget and in the halls of government.

About the #FutureOfLIVE

The #FutureOfLIVE coalition is a collective of 35 performing arts, presenting, festival and music industry associations. Together, they advocate for predictable and increased funding for performing arts presenting organizations and festivals. The #FutureOfLIVE campaign began in October 2022 and ran right up until the 2024 federal budget. The campaign generated engagement from individual organizations in every province and it rallied support from MPs of all political allegiance. It also received media attention from 21 newspapers, 13 radio broadcasters, and 4 television broadcasters/online news sites.

About the live performance sector

• The live performance domain contributed $3.6 billion to the Canadian Gross Domestic Product in 2023. In constant dollars, this is essentially the same as in 2019 (-0.1%).
• The live performance domain accounted for 78,000 jobs in 2023.This is 3.3% more than in 2019.

Source: Statistics Canada, Table 36-10-0652-01 National culture and sport indicators by domain and sub-domain. Release date: 2024-04-15. Calculations by CAPACOA.

Atlantic Presenters Association’s performing arts showcase conference will take place September 21–24, 2023, in Woody Point, Ktaqmkuk / Newfoundland & Labrador

For Immediate Release

September 14, 2023 (Woody Point, NL) – When you see an artist perform at your local theatre, arts and cultural centre, or festival, there is a whole series of steps that happen behind the scenes before they can get on stage—and more often than not for Atlantic Canadian performers, that first step starts at Contact East. 

The Atlantic Presenters Association (APA) has announced the complete lineup of acts who will take part in its flagship showcasing conference, happening September 21–24, 2023, in Woody Point, Ktaqmkuk, Newfoundland & Labrador. Celebrating its 48th edition this year, Contact East 2023 will gather performing arts presenters, managers, agents, and artists from Atlantic Canada and beyond for four-days of performances, pitches, professional development, and networking.

Contact East provides an opportunity for arts presenters—the people who decide which artists perform at their venues—from across the country and internationally to see top-quality performances from a diverse range of artistic genres. Performances include, but are not limited to, music, cabaret, dance, Deaf, Disability and Mad arts, circus arts, theatre, comedy, youth-oriented programming, and cultural performances. The 15-minute performances, or showcases, that take place at Contact East act as sneak previews of the artists that might perform in Atlantic Canadian communities in the coming years. Plus, artists are given an invaluable opportunity to network and build relationships with key contacts in the performing arts sector. 

 “Each year we are thrilled to showcase a wide and diverse range of live acts that will help presenters in Atlantic Canada bring engaging, world-class entertainment to their communities,” says Laurie Gillis, Executive Director of APA. “We challenge ourselves from year to year to bring the best to Contact East—and looking at this lineup, I think we have done it again in 2023.  We look forward to helping these artists build their profiles in Atlantic Canada while providing top tier live programming for large and small venues and festivals throughout the region.” 

Over 30 artists will take the stage at the Heritage Theatre in Woody Point and Nurse Myra Bennet Theatre in Cow Head, the host venues for the conference, as well as other small venues across the region. Many past participants have gone on to great touring success; alumni Natalie MacMaster, Jah’Mila, Matt Andersen, and David Myles have all seen national and international acclaim following their time at Contact East. This year’s lineup features some of the most talented up-and-coming multidisciplinary professionals in the performing arts world for a weekend of stunning performances. The full list of showcasing and pitching artists is available on the APA website. 

Artists at Contact East are selected through an extensive adjudication process, resulting in a lineup of unique and engaging performances that will appeal to audiences of all kinds. The Contact East Selection Committee was convened in consultation with APA’s Equity Action Advisory Committee to ensure the artist selection process was fair, accessible, and equitable to all. APA acknowledges the value that lived and community-based experiences and practices have in creating fair artist selection processes, and strives to create more equitable representation on stages across Atlantic Canada.

Contact East has a proven track record of generating bookings and tours for the artists that showcase and pitch. Many of the tours arising from Contact East are scheduled through APA’s Block Booking program, which takes effect when three or more member presenters are interested in booking the same artist or group. When this happens, APA will facilitate a discussion among the presenters and the artists to organize dates and routing that work for all involved parties. Block booking increases the opportunity to present shows that might normally be out of reach for individual theatres, arts and cultural centres, or festivals, either financially or logistically, making it an essential tool in bringing cultural performances to small or remote communities.

For its 2023 edition, Contact East recognizes and is grateful for the support of the following funding partners: Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador through the departments of Tourism, Culture, Arts & Recreation and Industry, Energy and Technology, the province of Nova Scotia through the department of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage, and the Province of New Brunswick through the department of Tourism, Heritage & Culture.

For more about Contact East 2023 and its previous editions, visit www.atlanticpresenters.ca/contact-east. 

The Atlantic Presenters Association (APA) has launched a Strategic Planning Survey in order to gain valuable feedback on how we can better support and enhance the performing arts community in Canada. This survey will help inform APA’s strategic planning process for the coming four years. 

APA is dedicated to supporting non-profit series presenters, theatres, community presenters, and festivals across Atlantic Canada. APA Presenters are responsible for hiring professional artists, providing venues, offering technical and promotional support, and can also organize outreach or audience development activities. They have a deep understanding of their community’s audience and the professional arts community. APA membership offers a range of benefits designed to support and enhance the work of presenters in our region. 

The survey is open to anyone working at a presenting organization in Atlantic Canada (including powwow presenters), both APA members and non-members. As a token of appreciation for your time and insights, we are offering a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card to anyone who fills out the survey—simply provide your email address at the end of the survey to be entered in the draw.

The deadline to fill out the survey is May 6, 2024.

Fill out the Survey HERE.

WHO WE ARE

The Atlantic Presenters’ Association is:

• a member-based arts service organisation
• a multidisciplinary network of performing arts presenters
• an organisation that offers programs and services to performing arts presenters across the Atlantic Region

Our members:

• connect artists and audiences
• bring live performing arts experiences to the Atlantic Region
• include but are not limited to performing arts centres, theatres, festivals, community and volunteer presenters, universities, symphonies, and municipalities

OUR PURPOSE

• To be a connector, helping performing artists and presenters bring a wide range of experiences into communities
• To provide our members with opportunities to learn about accessibility, equity, and social justice in support of equitable, respectful, and engaging experiences and spaces
• To provide our members with education and knowledge to assist in skill development
• To connect members in support of a respectful, equitable, innovative, and generous performing arts sector in the region

OUR VISION

A diverse, healthy, equitable, and sustainable performing arts sector.

OUR AGREEMENTS

• Every person in the Atlantic Region deserves access to performing arts
• Sharing meaningful experiences through live performances helps to build inclusive communities
• Working together in a respectful, supportive, generous way strengthens everyone and allows for our members’ development
• We, the Atlantic Presenters Association (members, board and staff) agree that we commit to contributing to a space that is accessible and free from oppression, harassment, and discrimination. At our gatherings, we will treat ourselves and each other with respect and dignity, regardless of age, race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and all our other diverse identities. We will not tolerate any acts of racism, white supremacy, sexism, heterosexism, and cissexism, homophobia / queerphobia and transphobia, sizeism, ableism, ageism, or physical and sexual violence and harassment

OUR COMMITMENTS

We believe that welcoming diverse voices to all facets of our organisation makes us stronger and allows us to serve all members of our communities better, therefore we will prioritise applications from equity-deserving communities. 

APA staff have engaged in extensive anti-oppression training and regularly consult with members of our Equity Action Advisory Committee on all aspects of our operations to ensure we are moving forward in a good way that causes the least amount of harm. We will continue doing this work with our staff and our members. 

It is important for us to make sure that any new hire feels that they have someone they can confide in if they feel unsafe. A member of our board of directors, who is from an equity-deserving  community, will be available to listen to any concerns.

EMPLOYMENT LOCATION

Remote and onsite at select APA events in Atlantic Canada (travel approx 20% of the year).  As per the key supporting nature of the role, we need you to travel to APA’s two major events, Contact East and Shift Change. Other travel may be requested if amenable to the employee. All costs associated with travel will be paid for by APA. Preference will be given to folks who live in the Atlantic Region or who are planning to live in the Atlantic Region.

WORK HOURS

28 hours a week, generally Monday to Thursday between 9am and 4pm, in the Atlantic time zone, with a flexible schedule, excluding while working on site at our events, e.g. Contact East, approx. 60 hours. For time over and above the Block Booking Manager’s standard work week, (25 hours) APA will provide time off in lieu. APA will be flexible on when this time is taken, but generally some will be used the week directly following the event. The employee can take unpaid leave provided that notice is given. Leave should not interfere with APA commitments.

HOLIDAYS AND VACATION

You will be entitled to two paid weeks (8 days as per four day work week) of vacation time during the year of your employment with APA. We welcome you to schedule your vacation time after 6 months of employment with us.  Vacation pay is included in the hourly rate.

The APA office is closed for all statutory and Nova Scotia Provincial/bank holidays.

The APA office closes for two weeks over the Christmas holiday period, during which the employee will be compensated at their regular weekly rate.

SALARY

$40,000  salary (includes vacation pay) for a one year contract position.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Executive Director and the Manager of Operations and Programs, the Block Booking Manager is an integral member of the APA team responsible for managing the Association’s block booking process, supervising the Member Block Booking meeting as well as overseeing the Contact East artist submission process. This highly motivated and detail-oriented position handles communications and negotiations with the membership, artists, agents and other artist representatives. The Block Booking Manager manages a variety of relationships and has excellent communications and organisation skills to ensure the success of 20+ block booked tours each year.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Duties include but may not be limited to the following:

• Implement and manage APA’s block booking system Arts Touring Connector;
• Activate block booking committee (if necessary) to update block booking guidelines;
• Work with block booking committee (if necessary) to address any issues or situations that may arise;
• Provide Communications Coordinator details for each tour (in advance) to allow for integration into APA’s communications plan;
• Train new (or existing) members on the block booking process including the online block booking program Arts Touring Connector;
• Liaison with agents, managers and artists;
• Create and negotiate offers for block tours;
• Send weekly (or as needed) tour updates to APA membership;
• Provide APA members with copy of signed contracts;
• Provide bookkeeper with invoicing details of each offer;
• Keep detailed records of artist fees and revenue generated for APA;
• Coordinate application process for Contact East selection committee and I Want to Showcase artist applications, and attend selection committee meetings;
• Contact successful showcase and pitch artists, send out contracts, request and coordinate artist information, i.e. bios, photos, riders and tech info, contact information, band and representative information;
• Plan, execute and attend APA’s annual in person member programming meeting; 
• Plan and execute regular online block booking meetings;
• Attend Contact East, ShiftChange, weekly staff meetings, planning meetings and bi-monthly EAAC (Equity Advisory and Action committee) meetings and other meetings as requested;
• Contribute to weekly member Member Memo and Enews communications;
• Contribute to team conversations and planning about and for programming and professional development opportunities for members;
• Provide support to APA’s programming and operations as needed and as agreed upon as work hours accommodate.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Someone who enjoys negotiation, understands how to build good working relationships, and has excellent communication skills (written and spoken). Experience in artist programming, touring and/or booking is an asset. You thrive in a highly collaborative, team-based role and are an open-minded, creative thinker with a passion for the performing arts. You are kind, flexible, and have a knowledge and understanding of the principles of EDIAD (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Decolonization) and are committed to an anti-oppressive and anti-racist work space.

THE HIRING PROCESS

We will contact everyone who applies to let them know if they have been chosen for an interview. If you are selected for an interview, it will take place over Zoom and you will be sent questions a day in advance to prepare. You will be interviewed by three people – APA’s Executive Director, Laurie, the Manager of Operations and Programs, Lisa, and the Member Services Manager, Valerie. The interview will be 30-45 minutes long. We will let all candidates know the outcome of the interview process in a timely manner.

ACCOMODATIONS

APA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, APA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let us know along with your application.

TO APPLY

Please email a resume and cover letter to Laurie Gillis at laurie@atlanticpresenters.ca. We suggest that you use the cover letter to demonstrate your written communication skills, as communicating by writing is a big part of the job. You are also encouraged to submit a video introduction of yourself if you are comfortable doing so. Deadline to apply is Sunday, February 11, 2024  at 11:59pm AT. 

All applicants will be informed whether or not they will be interviewed by Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Interviews will take place on February 15. The successful applicant and all who applied will be notified by February 16. We will aim to have the successful applicant hired and in place by March 4, 2024.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

WHO WE ARE

APA’s Reconciliation Statement is available here HERE.

The Atlantic Presenters’ Association is:

• a member-based arts service organisation
• a multidisciplinary network of performing arts presenters
• an organisation that offers programs and services to performing arts presenters across the Atlantic Region

Our members:

• connect artists and audiences
• bring live performing arts experiences to the Atlantic Region
• include but are not limited to performing arts centres, theatres, festivals, community and volunteer presenters, universities, symphonies, and municipalities

OUR PURPOSE

• To be a connector, helping performing artists and presenters bring a wide range of experiences into communities
• To provide our members with opportunities to learn about accessibility, equity, and social justice in support of equitable, respectful, and engaging experiences and spaces
• To provide our members with education and knowledge to assist in skill development
• To connect members in support of a respectful, equitable, innovative, and generous performing arts sector in the region

OUR VISION

A diverse, healthy, equitable, and sustainable performing arts sector.

OUR AGREEMENTS

• Every person in the Atlantic Region deserves access to performing arts
• Sharing meaningful experiences through live performances helps to build inclusive communities
• Working together in a respectful, supportive, generous way strengthens everyone and allows for our members’ development
• We, the Atlantic Presenters Association (members, board and staff) agree that we commit to contributing to a space that is accessible and free from oppression, harassment, and discrimination. At our gatherings, we will treat ourselves and each other with respect and dignity, regardless of age, race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and all our other diverse identities. We will not tolerate any acts of racism, white supremacy, sexism, heterosexism, and cissexism, homophobia / queerphobia and transphobia, sizeism, ableism, ageism, or physical and sexual violence and harassment

OUR COMMITMENTS

We believe that welcoming diverse voices to all facets of our organisation makes us stronger and allows us to serve all members of our communities better, therefore we will prioritise applications from equity-deserving communities. 

APA staff have engaged in extensive anti-oppression training and regularly consult with members of our Equity Action Advisory Committee on all aspects of our operations to ensure we are moving forward in a good way that causes the least amount of harm. We will continue doing this work with our staff and our members. 

It is important for us to make sure that any new hire feels that they have someone they can confide in if they feel unsafe. A member of our board of directors, who identifies as Indigenous, will be available to listen to any concerns.

EMPLOYMENT LOCATION

Remote and onsite at the Indigenous Presenter Gathering in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS happening April 26 – 28, 2024, on site schedule TBA. All costs associated with travel will be paid for by APA. 

WORK HOURS AND SCHEDULE

March 19-May 10, 2024 – Approximately 20 hours a week, with a flexible schedule, generally during APA’s office hours Monday to Thursday between 9am and 4pm, in the Atlantic time zone, with hours increasing while working on site at the event, the Indigenous Presenter Gathering.

HOLIDAYS AND VACATION

The APA office is closed for all statutory and Nova Scotia Provincial/bank holidays.

APA will honour other off times upon request such as hunting, fishing, harvesting, and other culturally significant requests.

RATE OF PAY

$6,000 contract fee for eight weeks of work, to be paid out on a schedule to be mutually agreed upon.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Executive Director and the Director of Operations and Programs, the Indigenous Presenter Gathering Coordinator is an integral member of the APA team responsible for managing all coordination and logistics of the upcoming Indigenous Presenters Gathering, April 26 – 28, 2024.  As part of a new mentorship program you will also be shadowed by APA’s incoming Indigenous Programs Manager who will be assisting you on all aspects of the event. The Indigenous Presenter Gathering Coordinator nurtures and cultivates a variety of relationships with APA’s Indigenous Presenters network and new contacts, and has excellent communications and organisation skills to ensure the success of the event.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Duties include but may not be limited to the following:

• Coordinate and facilitate meetings of the Indigenous presenter event programming advisory group and APA staff. Work with the group to determine the event program content – topics, activities, discussions, etc. 
• Contribute to weekly member Member Memo and Enews communications as needed.
• Coordinate with graphic designer to create branding and marketing materials for event (invites, social media assets)
• Plan and coordinate the programming for theIndigenous Presenter Gathering  and act as primary contact for Indigenous delegates and artists.
• Coordinate all onsite event activities (including room set up, hospitality area, signage, technical needs for speakers, etc.)
• Coordinate details with caterers & vendors, i.e., receptions and group meals. Includes transportation, restaurants, caterers, etc.
• Coordinate transportation needs as required i.e., airport runs, accessible transportation requests
• Act as primary liaison with the hotel re: room block for all Indigenous events and programs.
• Ensure all accessibility requests are fulfilled. 
• Coordinate and manage event registration with APA staff.
• Produce an event and program report to be shared with APA board and funding bodies
• Participate in a post event debrief meeting with APA staff

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Someone who identifies as Indigenous. 

Preference will be given to folks who live in the Atlantic Region or who are planning to live in the Atlantic Region.

You thrive in a highly collaborative, team-based role and are an open-minded, creative thinker with a passion for planning events, creating and nurturing relationships, supporting community and you have a passion for the performing arts. You are kind, flexible, and have a knowledge and understanding of the principles of EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and are committed to an anti-oppressive and anti-racist work space.

THE HIRING PROCESS

We will contact everyone who applies to let them know if they have been chosen for an interview. If you are selected for an interview, it will take place over Zoom and you will be sent questions a day in advance to prepare. You will be interviewed by three people – APA’s Executive Director, Laurie, the Director of Operations and Programs, Lisa, and an APA Board member, or Equity Action Advisory Committee Member who identifies as Indigenous. The interview will be 30-45 minutes long and will take place on Monday, March 4, 2024. We will let all candidates know the outcome of the interview process on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

ACCOMODATIONS

APA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, APA will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let us know along with your application.

TO APPLY

Please email a resume and cover letter to Laurie Gillis, Executive Director, at laurie@atlanticpresenters.ca.

We suggest that you use the cover letter to demonstrate your written communication skills, as communicating by writing is a big part of the job. You are also encouraged to submit a video introduction of yourself if you are comfortable doing so.

Deadline to apply is Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:59pm AT. 

All applicants will be informed whether or not they will be interviewed by Friday, March 1, 2024. Interviews will take place on Monday, March 4, 2024. The successful applicant and all who were interviewed will be notified by Tuesday, March 5. We will aim to have the successful applicant hired and in place by March 19, 2024.

Wela’lin, Nakummek, Tshinashkumitin, Woliwon! We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Atlantic Presenters Association
One-year contract position

EMPLOYMENT LOCATION

The Atlantic Presenters’ Association is:

• a member-based arts service organisation
• a multidisciplinary network of performing arts presenters
• an organization that offers programs and services to performing arts presenters across the Atlantic Region

Our members:

• connect artists and audiences
• bring live performing arts experiences to the Atlantic Region
• include but are not limited to performing arts centres, theatres, festivals, community and volunteer presenters, universities, symphonies, and municipalities

Read APA’s Reconciliation Statement HERE.

OUR PURPOSE

• To be a connector, helping performing artists and presenters bring a wide range of experiences into communities
• To provide our members with opportunities to learn about accessibility, equity, and social justice in support of equitable, respectful, and engaging experiences and spaces
• To provide our members with education and knowledge to assist in skill development
• To connect members in support of a respectful, equitable, innovative, and generous performing arts sector in the region

OUR VISION

A diverse, healthy, equitable, and sustainable performing arts sector.

OUR AGREEMENTS

• Every person in the Atlantic Region deserves access to performing arts
• Sharing meaningful experiences through live performances helps to build inclusive communities
• Working together in a respectful, supportive, generous way strengthens everyone and allows for our members’ development
• We, the Atlantic Presenters Association (members, board and staff) agree that we commit to contributing to a space that is accessible and free from oppression, harassment, and discrimination. At our gatherings, we will treat ourselves and each other with respect and dignity, regardless of age, race, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and all our other diverse identities. We will not tolerate any acts of racism, white supremacy, sexism, heterosexism, and cissexism, homophobia / queerphobia and transphobia, sizeism, ableism, ageism, or physical and sexual violence and harassment

OUR COMMITMENTS

We believe that welcoming diverse voices to all facets of our organisation makes us stronger and allows us to serve all members of our communities better, therefore we will prioritise applications from equity-deserving communities. 

APA staff have engaged in extensive anti-oppression training and regularly consult with members of our Equity Action Advisory Committee on all aspects of our operations to ensure we are moving forward in a good way that causes the least amount of harm. We will continue doing this work with our staff and our members. 

We need to ensure that any new hire feels they have someone they can confide in if they feel unsafe. A member of our board of directors, who is from an equity-deserving community, will be available to listen to any concerns you may have.