Our non-discrimination policy

PURPOSE 

This policy will provide guidelines to: 

  • ensure all adults and children at services administered by Girls Rock! Melbourne are treated equitably and with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, culture, language, beliefs, gender, age, socioeconomic status, level of ability, additional needs, family structure or lifestyle 

  • promote inclusive practices and ensure the successful participation of all children, volunteers, and staff at services administered by Girls Rock! Melbourne. 

  • clarify eligibility criteria for volunteer positions at Girls Rock! Melbourne events.


POLICY STATEMENT 

1. VALUES 

Girls Rock! Melbourne is committed to: 

  • acknowledging and respecting the rights of all children and adults to be provided with and participate in an enriching music-related activity.

  • creating an environment that supports, reflects, models, and promotes equitable and inclusive behaviours and practices.

  • maintaining an environment that promotes and maintains the personal and emotional safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff.

  • creating a sense of belonging for all children, families and staff, where diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, skills and interests are respected, valued and given opportunities to be expressed/developed. 

  • working to ensure that no one is discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, language, culture, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, body type, physical ability, gender expression, level of ability or additional needs, family structure, lifestyle or any other individual identities. This applies to educational programs, admissions policies, scholarships, and other Camp-related policies and programs, as well as volunteer policies and activities.

  • encouraging anyone who is interested in organising fundraising events on behalf of Girls Rock! Melbourne to contract accessible venues, curate diverse lineups, encourage venues to provide gender neutral toilets, and offer subsidised tickets to make the event as accessible as possible to financially under-resourced groups.

  • providing all children with the opportunity to access programs at Girls Rock! Melbourne through financial aid and as much accommodation as possible, and recognising that all families are unique in their needs and privileges.

  • recognising need and seeking external support for participants with disabilities, language difficulties, and other additional needs, as far as possible and practicable, at each Girls Rock! Melbourne hosted event. 

  • attempting to forge and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with other community-centred non-profits that serve marginalised groups.

  • consistently updating and supporting the knowledge, skills, practices and attitudes of staff to encourage and ensure inclusion and equity 

  • complying with current legislation including the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, Equal Opportunity Act 2010, Disability Act 2006 and Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001.


2. VOLUNTEER CRITERIA

Girls Rock! Melbourne welcomes individuals who identify as female (regardless of the sex assigned them at birth), all trans people regardless of identification, and all gender diverse people to apply for direct-contact mentorship positions within the organisation. Individuals of any gender may apply for non-direct-contact positions and fundraising roles. Please see the Volunteer Position Descriptions on our website for a list of these positions and the responsibilities and expectations.

A special note to male-identified volunteers: Girls Rock! Melbourne is primarily led by and for women, girls, trans, and gender diverse folks. We also value diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity toward all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. The organisation welcomes the support of cis male-identified allies and expects cis male-identified allies who would like to volunteer to respect the importance of leadership by non cis-males.