Reorganization Effort FAQs
We've received many questions from alumni, friends, and the drum corps community about the events of 2021 and Spirit of Atlanta's restructuring process. In response, we have created this FAQ to answer some of your questions and provide details on plans to increase safety and awareness in 2023 and beyond. Please note that we cannot address some topics due to confidentiality. Please check back frequently, as we will update you as new information becomes available.
Why did Spirit of Atlanta not tour in 2022?
In 2021 Spirit of Atlanta was made aware of allegations, by a student, about potential inappropriate conduct by another student(s). While we cannot disclose details for reasons of confidentiality, no staff or volunteers were implicated or involved in the alleged inappropriate behavior. In consideration for the safety of our performers and staff, the Spirit of Atlanta Board of Directors decided to take a step back and evaluate our procedures, protocols, and training for all admin, staff, volunteers, and students before returning to competition.
We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a best-in-class training and response program that will exceed the expectations of our performers, their families, and the community we represent. Our goal is to provide a world-class educational experience. We are confident in our reorganization efforts and look forward to a successful 2023 season.
Were any reports or allegations of inappropriate conduct made against Spirit of Atlanta staff or volunteers?
No.
What did the investigation reveal about the organization?
The study showed that Spirit took many of the proper steps in responding and reporting the alleged incident; however, we did not act promptly and as prudently as we were expected and therefore failed in our duty to provide the care we were entrusted to. To prevent this from happening again, our leadership team has recruited the assistance of leading experts in safety, reporting, risk management, and compliance to assist with our organizational evaluation and restructuring plan. Our goal is not just to be an improved organization but a role model for the activity that sets the highest standards for our members' health, safety, and social-emotional needs.
What changes are being made in response to the investigation?
From the guidance provided by health, safety, and youth education experts, Spirit has restructured the organization within three segments, led by some of the most qualified persons.
The first area is Risk Compliance - policy, process, and training. Led by Shelba Waldron, Director of Safe Sport Policy and Education at USA Gymnastics, we've performed a comprehensive review of existing risk management processes, policies, and best-in-class compliance training.
We have developed new processes for reporting protocols, abuse prevention, professional expectations, a code of conduct, a performer bill of rights, training expectations, and misconduct policy, including sexual misconduct, physical harm, emotional trauma, bullying, and hazing.
The second area is Human Resources – policy, practice, and ongoing implementation. Vicki Ferrence Ray, Ph.D., a candidate in Administration and Leadership Studies and nonprofit executive leader. This includes a review of the onboarding and offboarding processes, the hiring, reference, and background check policies, and tracking of training requirements for roles within Spirit. She is also working to develop communication and training on the authority and leadership hierarchy within the organization. Our goal is to have a new organizational chart and supporting documentation clearly describing each level's internal hierarchy and span of control.
We will also look to build an all-encompassing and resilient culture at Spirit of Atlanta that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, transparency, and open communication. These ongoing efforts will be communicated in the weeks and months ahead.
Where is Spirit of Atlanta (SOA) in the restructuring process?
Thousands of person-hours have gone into the restructuring process to provide our members with a safe and healthy experience. While most of the work has been completed, we are still touching up a few of our new policies and procedures, which include review and feedback by experts and peers, as well as finishing the development of training materials before the start of the 2023 season. Other work includes:
Hiring a new administrative team, including a new Executive Director and Sr. Director of Safety and Compliance.
Development of new diversity and inclusion program to help provide better representation for female, LBGTQA+, special needs, and minority performers. These processes are complete, with the new hires to be announced in early November.
What is SpiritSafe?
The safety and well-being of our performers and staff are our top priority. As a result, we've created a new safety awareness program for the entire organization called "SpiritSafe ."This new program is being deployed in the 2022-2023 season. The program aligns with the organization's newly created core values and addresses topics ranging from sexual harassment, bullying, and other inappropriate behavior. Some of the features of the program include:
Intensive, in-person training programs for all staff, volunteers, and performers to identify and set boundaries for conduct within the organization.
A series of new policies and procedures outlining specifics on acceptable conduct, response and reporting mechanisms, and guides on how students and staff can recognize and respond to health & safety issues.
A new reporting system for performers, staff, and volunteers to anonymously report corps policies incidents or violations.
Intensive background and reference checks for every staff member and volunteer.
US SafeSport training and certification are now required for all staff and volunteers.
Information, learning materials, and opportunities for students to talk with peers and experts to help identify and recognize situations and act before they happen.
Is SOA still on probation with DCI?
Yes. As part of our restructuring, Spirit will remain on probation through January 2024. During that period, DCI will continue to monitor and advise SOA. Our leadership team is responsible for reporting to DCI quarterly until the end of the probation period.
What staff changes have been made?
Due to confidentiality and human resources policies, Spirit of Atlanta cannot reveal specifics about any actions taken against past or current employees. That said, several personnel changes have been made inside the organization, including the addition of a new executive director who comes from outside the activity, and also the hiring of a new Director of Safety and wellness. Also, all employees, contractors, and volunteers are required to go through an extensive background check policy prior to being allowed to interact with students.
What impact will this have on the student experience?
As the drum corps community continues to change, so does the member experience. While the music, creative and competitive nature of the drum corps will remain the same, how we do things at Spirit of Atlanta will change to better address our performers' physical and mental well-being.
As previously mentioned, an extensive training program will be required of each member, staff member, and volunteer before being allowed to participate in the organization. This training centers around identifying and reporting unacceptable behavior. We will also address topics including diversity and inclusion, being better community members, and looking for opportunities to give back to the communities we visit during the summer through community impact projects.
Where can I find information on policies and documentation regarding the reorganization efforts?
All information is available on our SpiritSafe webpage.