OMFA Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At OMFA, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization is one where all participants, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, physical appearance, education, or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for participation in all of our events. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

We're committed to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

To provide an informed, and inclusive experience for all, OMFA strives to:

• See diversity, inclusion, and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our volunteers and participants.
• Explore potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness and advocate for and support board-level thinking about how systemic inequities impact our organization's work.
• Practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions.
• Lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all adjudicators, volunteers, and participants to conduct themselves in a respectful and inclusive manner.

OMFA engages in the following action items to help promote diversity and inclusion at our events, and throughout the organization:

• Expanding educational offerings to include a wider variety of musical styles, cultures and experience levels.
• Serving underprivileged individual communities through financial assistance programs, and limiting barriers by offering virtual classes that are inclusive to participants from all parts of Ontario.
• Developing a better understanding of our participant demographics, and their needs by collecting relevant data via the registration process.