Committee Definition

The Development Committee is a committee established to support the organization’s mission by securing the financial and in-kind resources, partnerships, and leadership capacity that sustain The D.C.’s Different Drummers (DCDD) and its programs.

Scope

The committee’s scope includes planning, advising, and coordinating activities related to sponsorship, advancement, and fundraising. The committee works collaboratively with Artistic staff, Board members, other committees, and external partners to develop sponsor relationships, plan fundraisers and grant efforts, and expand DCDD’s reach.

Functions

Core functions of the committee include identifying and cultivating sponsors, securing financial and in-kind support, planning and executing fundraising events, pursuing and coordinating grant opportunities, building partnerships that support DCDD’s programs and operations, and strengthening leadership and inclusion within the organization.

Goals

The committee’s goals are to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability, support its members, diversify and grow its funding sources, and advance DCDD’s mission of musical excellence, LGBTQIA+ representation, and community engagement.

Committee Definition

The Production and Logistics Committee is a standing committee established to support the organization’s mission by providing leadership and oversight in the planning, coordination, and execution of the operational and logistical needs of the symphonic, jazz, marching, and color guard ensembles.

Scope

The committee’s scope includes planning, advising, and coordinating activities related to equipment transportation and management, inventory maintenance, venue and event logistics, performance staging support, staffing coordination, and other operational needs. The committee works collaboratively with artistic directors, staff, leadership, venues, event providers, and other committees to ensure the successful execution of rehearsals, performances, and special events.

Functions

Core functions of the committee include overseeing equipment logistics, maintaining organizational inventory, coordinating with venues and event providers, supporting artistic directors with staging and production requirements, monitoring staffing needs, identifying and addressing operational gaps not assigned to other committees, and recommending processes that improve operational efficiency and event execution.

Goals

The committee’s goals are to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of production and logistical support for all ensembles, strengthen organizational effectiveness through well-coordinated operations, promote collaboration across committees and stakeholders, and provide the resources and infrastructure necessary for successful performances and events while aligning with the organization’s strategic priorities.

Committee Definition

The Membership Committee is a standing committee established to support the organization’s mission by providing leadership and oversight in the area of membership growth, retention, and engagement.

Scope

The committee’s scope includes planning, advising, and coordinating activities related to membership onboarding, participation, and community building, while working collaboratively with staff, leadership, and other committees.

Functions

Core functions of the committee include acting as the first line of communication to potential new DCDD members and connecting them with appropriate ensemble and organizational leadership to join and pay dues. Additionally, the committee is responsible for developing strategies, recommending policies or actions, monitoring progress, and supporting initiatives that advance its area of responsibility.

Goals

The committee’s goals are to strengthen organizational effectiveness, promote sustainability and inclusion, and achieve measurable outcomes that align with the organization’s strategic priorities.

Committee Definition

The DC’s Different Drummers (DCDD) Publicity Committee aims to build and maintain DCDD’s reputation and visibility in the community. By implementing promotional efforts across a variety of channels, the Committee helps connect DCDD with potential participants, audience members, donors, and collaborators, who in turn further our mission of fostering pride, inclusivity, and engagement through our performances across the greater DC region.

Scope

The Publicity Committee is responsible for promoting DCDD’s mission, events, and impact through public-facing communications. This includes coordinating with artistic directors, board members, and other committees to develop and publish promotional materials that support DCDD’s brand identity and accurately reflect the nature of the specific event being promoted. We respond to internal requests for publicity support, as well as actively identifying and pursuing new publicity opportunities for DCDD. We also work with the Webmaster to ensure effective communication of DCDD’s mission and activities on our website.

Key Activities

While the goal of the Publicity Committee remains consistent, core responsibilities and tasks will change along with the rapid transformation of our communication technologies and media landscape. Current responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Developing social media posts to promote upcoming DCDD events and engage with our audiences (designing graphics, sourcing event images, writing post captions, scheduling and publishing posts)
• Engaging with digital audiences via interactive content, conversations, etc.
• Replying to comments, responding or redirecting direct messages to the appropriate recipient, etc.
• Promoting DCDD events via external channels, including physical bulletin boards in local businesses/public spaces, online accounts or blogs that highlight local events, calendars in news publications, related organizations, etc.
• Monitoring trends and changes in the media landscape, ensuring DCDD maintains a modern approach to publicity efforts (meeting the people where they are)
• Tracking relevant analytics to help determine where to focus future efforts
• Reviewing DCDD branded designs to ensure alignment with brand goals

Get Involved

The Publicity Committee has a variety of opportunities for member participation, welcoming many interests and all experience levels. Members can contribute on an ongoing basis, or participate in a single project that matches their interests, skills, or availability.

Those with skills or interest in any of the following are especially encouraged to inquire:

• Writing and editing (blog/news articles, social media captions, etc.)
• Photography and video editing
• Social media content creation
• Graphic design and art (event flyers, signs, merch designs, etc.)
• Media relations and press outreach
• Community outreach (distributing flyers and making connections with local businesses)
• Communications and marketing strategies

The Publicity Committee aims to have participants from across DCDD’s ensembles to help identify opportunities unique to each ensemble’s activities and audiences. Publicity Committee meetings are held as needed, typically for specific projects. Members are encouraged but not required to attend monthly board meetings to stay in the loop.

Purpose

The Technology Committee supports DCDD’s operations by identifying opportunities where technology can improve or eliminate inefficiencies. The committee evaluates tools within our existing Microsoft 365 environment — including Power Apps and automated workflows — and recommends software solutions when appropriate. It also manages Entra email distribution lists and Microsoft 365 group memberships to keep our organizational communications running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying operational inefficiencies and evaluating technology solutions to address them
• Developing and testing workflows and Power Apps within the Microsoft 365 environment
• Managing Entra (email) distribution lists and Microsoft 365 group memberships
• Recommending commercial software products when current tools cannot meet organizational needs

Current Initiatives

The committee is currently developing an automated workflow to notify members when their annual membership is approaching expiration and to gather information about their interest in participating in an upcoming concert cycle. This project is a good example of how the committee uses technology to reduce manual administrative work and improve communication with the broader membership.

Get Involved

This committee is a great fit for members who want to contribute without a heavy time commitment. Most participation involves testing new workflows and helping maintain distribution lists — all done remotely from your own computer. The typical time investment is approximately 15 minutes per month, making it one of the most accessible ways to support DCDD’s day-to-day operations.

Committee Definition

The Inclusivity Committee is a committee established to support the organization’s mission by fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where all members, volunteers, audiences, and community partners feel valued, supported, and empowered to participate.

Scope

The committee’s scope includes planning, advising, and coordinating activities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. The committee works collaboratively with Artistic staff, Board members, and other committees to identify opportunities to reduce barriers to participation, promote inclusive practices, and strengthen community engagement.

Functions

Core functions of the committee include assessing organizational practices through an inclusivity lens, recommending policies and initiatives that promote equity and accessibility, providing guidance and educational resources, supporting outreach to underserved communities, gathering member feedback, and monitoring progress toward the organization’s inclusion goals.

Goals

The committee’s goals are to cultivate a culture of belonging, expand equitable access to participation and leadership opportunities, promote diversity and accessibility throughout the organization’s programs and operations, and achieve measurable outcomes that support the organization’s mission and long-term strategic priorities.