Building community and creating social change by raising our voices in song.

How We're Showing Up

 

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One Voice has always been about more than our amazing concerts. At its heart, our work is about bringing people together and inspiring social change. That is just as true today as it was over 32 years ago when our founders demanded that, during a pivotal period of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States, LGBTQ people needed a space to belong and the dignity of being heard. That was the home they built, and it is yours today. With those original intentions as our compass, here’s how we have been navigating the path ahead:

Virtual Choirs

Although it’s not the same as in person singing, for our members or our audiences, these projects have kept us engaged and connected during the pandemic. We’ve also been able to reach thousands of new audience members through expanded digital engagement.

Bring the Sing Home

One Voice partnered with Minnesota Public Radio this past spring to coordinate a series of statewide sing-a-longs. In fact, it was so popular, we had people around the world joining us on these special Friday evenings! Thousands of Minnesotans, and beyond, stepped out on their front porches and sang a variety of unifying songs together at a safe distance. MPR provided a simulcast of the songs on each of their regional services. Carole King even tweeted about it!

Monday Night Live

We have continued to meet every Monday night (yes, every single Monday!) on Zoom in place of our traditional weekly rehearsals. Topics range from skills training, rehearsing for upcoming performances, conversations on equity and engagement, and supporting each other during COVID. You can’t see everyone on the screen, but we average 70-100 singers in attendance each week.

Community Sing-A-Longs

Throughout the year we have hosted different community gatherings, open to anyone and everyone. Our singers’ friends and family join from Minnesota and around the workd, as well as new singers who are seeking community and an opportunity to use their voices.

OVation

Our a capella ensemble typically travels to different venues on behalf of One Voice. They have been creating new content that other groups feature at their virtual community gatherings.