BOARD STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
June 20, 2020
To our dear WGCT Family and Community,
As we join our national community in anguish following recent events, the board of the Friends of the Willow Glen Children’s Theatre (“Friends”) condemns all acts of racism and discrimination. Unequivocally, the lives of our black community matter; we stand in solidarity with all of our community who are hurting in these challenging times.
Friends is a parents' group organized to support the Willow Glen Children's Theatre (“WGCT”). We support WGCT in its advancement of inclusion for every race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. At our June board meeting, Friends took action to recommit to efforts to build a safe and welcoming community with equality for all.
When Gavin Coffing started the WGCT in 1988, he created a unique program that provided opportunities for ALL participants to act in original plays and participate in an organic creative process. Inclusivity and community has always been at the heart of the program. Over thirty years later, WGCT remains one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative children’s theatres and is now directed by former participant, Jordan Kilpatric, who shares the same sense of purpose.
Since its inception, Friends has increased access for our diverse community through a robust scholarship offering and as active partners with the City of San Jose.
WGCT is one of many excellent programs of the city of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS). PRNS is guided by principles of equity, access, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and flexibility.
If you would like more information about the WGCT, you can visit our website at www.wgct.org. In addition, you can access additional information about the City of San Jose at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/.
The Board of the Friends of Willow Glen Children’s Theatre
Diana Pohle
Hans Cardenas
Neil Shapiro
Sandy Shapiro
Amy Shackelford
Jordan Kilpatric
June 20, 2020
To our dear WGCT Family and Community,
As we join our national community in anguish following recent events, the board of the Friends of the Willow Glen Children’s Theatre (“Friends”) condemns all acts of racism and discrimination. Unequivocally, the lives of our black community matter; we stand in solidarity with all of our community who are hurting in these challenging times.
Friends is a parents' group organized to support the Willow Glen Children's Theatre (“WGCT”). We support WGCT in its advancement of inclusion for every race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. At our June board meeting, Friends took action to recommit to efforts to build a safe and welcoming community with equality for all.
When Gavin Coffing started the WGCT in 1988, he created a unique program that provided opportunities for ALL participants to act in original plays and participate in an organic creative process. Inclusivity and community has always been at the heart of the program. Over thirty years later, WGCT remains one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative children’s theatres and is now directed by former participant, Jordan Kilpatric, who shares the same sense of purpose.
Since its inception, Friends has increased access for our diverse community through a robust scholarship offering and as active partners with the City of San Jose.
WGCT is one of many excellent programs of the city of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS). PRNS is guided by principles of equity, access, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and flexibility.
If you would like more information about the WGCT, you can visit our website at www.wgct.org. In addition, you can access additional information about the City of San Jose at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/.
The Board of the Friends of Willow Glen Children’s Theatre
Diana Pohle
Hans Cardenas
Neil Shapiro
Sandy Shapiro
Amy Shackelford
Jordan Kilpatric