ABOUT BIG APPLE PERFORMING ARTS (BAPA)

Big Apple Performing Arts (BAPA) is the home of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC), the Youth Pride Chorus (YPC), and the Tonewall a cappella ensemble. Established in 1980, the NYCGMC is one of the first LGBTQ+ choirs and is a first-class, world-renowned New York institution and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ+ community. It is comprised of nearly 300 talented volunteer singers of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences across a spectrum of genders, gender identities, sexual orientations,. NYCGMC has performed at a variety of settings, including concerts, festivals, conferences, weddings, memorial services, parties, fundraisers, as well as community, special, private, and corporate events. It has also made several appearances in Broadway events and on national television programs. In June 2022, the NYCGMC appeared on the 75th Annual Tony Awards.

The Youth Pride Chorus, established in 2003, is an LGBTQ+ affirming youth ensemble (ages 13-21) in collaboration with the NYC LGBTQ Center. Tonewall, established 2016, is the award-winning a cappella ensemble of the NYCGMC. Together, they are the performing groups of BAPA that affirm musical excellence, LGBTQ+ advocacy, acceptance, community, and belonging.

As an evolving organization, we are committed to positive systemic change that creates a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all staff and members. As a result of this, NYCGMC is looking for strong candidates who can weave DEI+B into their daily work, programming, production, music arrangements, and/or other necessary areas. We are a small but committed team who are passionate about music and its power to impact people of all ages and backgrounds.

BAPA Board of Directors Candidate Application

Please answer the following questions below and submit by July 1, 2024.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

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In a few sentences, tell us about yourself and why you are interested in serving on the Board. What are you personally hoping to achieve from being a BAPA Board Director?

Do you have any experience serving on a board of directors, advisory board, or other governing body? And what do you see the role of a board member to be?

Describe the professional skills and lived experiences that you want to bring to the BAPA Board.

We encourage both creative grassroots fundraising and corporate partnerships. Please share your thoughts on how our board can engage in creative fundraising and/or your own strategies for raising funds.

What unique fundraising opportunities, outreach in underserved communities, and insights could you bring to the organization?

A Board priority is to identify and develop corporate sponsors and community relationships. Do you have relationships or contacts you can introduce to the organization for a potential partnership?

Aside from fundraising and organizational oversight, is there a particular role or function you would be interested in fulfilling at the Board level? Examples are: legal counsel, HR, communications, diversity/inclusion, event direction, team management, finance/accounting, change management, business development, training or strategic planning?

Although the primary identity of Chorus membership is as members of the LGBTQ+ communities, BAPA as a whole, strives to embed DEIB in all of its programming, operations, and membership. How might you bring your experience with and commitment to DEIB to your role on the BAPA Board? And what actions have you taken to implement initiatives and improve DEI in your personal and professional lives?

Leadership can be developed in a variety of environments, both personal and professional. Can you share some of the lived experiences that speak to your leadership style?

BAPA is committed to transformative organizational change to continue to advocate for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Please share your experiences in this space and ideas to help the Board continue to develop in this area?

As a leading LGBTQ organization in NYC, BAPA takes seriously its commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces and opportunities for its singing members, volunteers, and audience members. This is becoming more and more crucial, as we see increased anti-LGBTQ violence, legislation, and decreased rights. How might you bring your experience, activism, and/or commitment to LGBTQ equality to this role as a BAPA Board member?

How would you describe the way you find solutions or common goals in situations where there are differing opinions or perspectives?

Do you prefer challenges that require creativity and collaboration to propose and find solutions, or do you prefer working within an established framework or set of rules where the risk of failure is minimal?

What do you see the role of a board member to be?

If you are a current board member (2021-2024) seeking another term, please answer the following questions:

Please identify any leadership positions you have held on the board and/or what working committee(s) have you been a part of.

What do you see the role of a board member to be?

What have been some of the BAPA projects you have worked on since 2021 and what did you individually contribute to those projects? Please identify any successes or challenges.

Have you met the current financial obligations required of board directors (give/get and annual dues) and do you think that you will be able to successfully meet those annual goals for another three-year term?

Please list any resources, connections, and/or expertise you have provided the organization over the last three years (2021-2024)?

Will you be able to meet the administrative time commitment required of board directors moving forward?

While serving on the board is a great opportunity, there are many different important ways to be of service and contribute to meaningful work. Would you be open to other opportunities to serve BAPA outside of being a board director?

BAPA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, BAPA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Team Recruitment

BAPA Board of Directors Candidate Application

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