The Board of Directors of Drum Corps International is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative created to support the participation by women in all facets of DCI and marching music performing arts.

Titled "IN STEP: Women in DCI," the effort will promote opportunities and achievement for performers, instructional and administrative staff members, and organizational leaders.

Chaired by DCI at-large board member, attorney Kathy Black of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the committee will support women by sponsoring events, highlighting women participating at all levels in DCI programs, providing training and educational resources, identifying and eliminating barriers to increased participation and leadership, and encouraging policy development consistent with the core values of DCI.

"The 'In-Step' phrase links this project to the marching arts, but also conveys the message that we are in-step with women in a changing society," Black said. "We thought there was no better day to launch this exciting new program than on March 8, International Women's Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

"We want to focus our efforts on continuing to be 'In-Step' as we develop programs and opportunities which are timely and future-focused as Drum Corps International enters its next phase of growth, global relevance and leadership."

A priority among its core values, Drum Corps International is committed to fostering mutual care and respect among, between, and within its participating ensembles and member organizations. DCI treats all with dignity, courtesy, attention, and appreciation; and seeks these traits without exception in others with whom it engages.

Among the first programs offered through the new initiative, committee members Robin Hartowicz Lanning of Indianapolis (Phantom Regiment administrator) and Rosa Lee Harden of San Francisco (board president of the Blue Devils) will co-chair a new event being developed for addition to the DCI World Championships Week festivities in Indianapolis.