Session Overview
We need help thinking about how to approach and cultivate potential board members. We are also currently a gender diverse board, but we have no racial diversity, despite the fact that our constituency is very diverse. We are keenly aware of this discrepancy and of the strategic opportunities we may be missing because of the limited universe of experience and connections that our current board members represent.
Vocal Ease is a small, founder-run organization that has grown significantly in the past 10 years. Our board members are generally performers with the organization or the founder's contacts, a few of whom fortunately happen to be lawyers and can provide some corporate and governance insight. However, to grow to the next level, we believe we need to grow the board with individuals versed in finance and strategy, a challenging task when the constituency that receives our services tends to be poor, aged, and unsuited for development approaches.
Nonprofit Overview
Vocal Ease is a nonprofit 501(c)3 volunteer singing organization that provides live entertainment for New York City's senior citizens at hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers and residences. Founded by Eva Swan in 1999, we perform cabaret-style shows with a small group of singers performing mostly solos accompanied by piano and drums. We have a rotating roster of more than 80 performers, most with professional experience. We perform a wide range of songs, including standards from the Great American Songbook, popular musical theater songs, pop, soul, and R&B, as well as classic Spanish language songs. Our mission is to provide outstanding entertainment for New York City senior citizens in order to spread joy and enhance the quality of their lives.