A second anniversary reflection from Sally Van Vleck

“Being a Title Track board member has been a rich, rewarding and informative experience. As a young organization, just getting our feet on the ground, so to speak, the Title Track leadership was able to pivot during the pandemic, adjusting programming yet not losing momentum. It was, and is, resilience in action. I learned how to navigate attending board meetings and trainings via Zoom, which was a steep learning curve for me, not being technologically adept. My communication skills, both listening and expressing myself were sharpened up. Getting to know my fellow board members virtually expanded my understanding and awareness of other life experiences, knowledge and perspectives. We learned how to work together from a distance.

The board trainings have been instrumental as we collectively determine the values, structure and working arrangements that will work virtually and in person. Through the year-long equity training that the board and staff have undertaken, I am learning to become a better anti-racist, which is a lifelong commit of mine.

The organizational trainings have taught me the importance of articulating and agreeing upon our values, roles and responsibilities and determining our process for decision-making.

Finally, weaving creative practices through-out our work brings a depth and lightness to the work. Starting and ending each meeting with a song, helping to support artists who are trying to survive during the pandemic, using our check-ins to name our favorite soundtrack, and many other practices have reminded me of the roots of my activism in the ’60’s when music sustained us. Creative practices will support us for the long haul ahead.” -Sally Van Vleck, Founding Title Track Board member