Advocating for Equity, Safety, and Inclusion in the Marching Arts
Our Mission
Marching Arts Access, Safety, and Inclusion Network (MAASIN) coordinates a collective voice to address safety, accessibility, inclusivity, and equity in the marching arts. We advocate for the needs of our diverse performer population, especially the needs of historically excluded and underrepresented groups. We advocate for safe, reasonable, and comfortable working conditions for staff including increased protection from wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and discrimination. We strongly oppose all forms of inequity, discrimination, and harassment.
Our Vision
We believe in an accessible, inclusive, and equitable marching arts for all and a culture of safety where scores, costs, or positions of power are never prized above health or well-being.
Our Values
MAASIN is a progressive organization with anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist, anti-racist, anti-sexist, and pro-LGBTQIA+ stances.
We Offer:
Workshops & Discussions
We believe education is the foundation for change. Our workshops and discussion circles provide crucial insights into equity, safety, and leadership in the marching arts. Whether it’s learning how to create inclusive spaces, understanding performer rights, or fostering better staff culture, we offer engaging and informative sessions for individuals and organizations alike.
March With Pride Scholarship
Every season, we help LGBTQIA+ performers overcome financial barriers through our March With Pride Scholarship. This initiative isn’t just about funding—it’s about ensuring that every marcher, regardless of identity, has the opportunity to participate and thrive. Since its inception, we’ve proudly supported countless performers in pursuing their passion.
Peer Support & Education
We help individuals and organizations prevent misconduct and create safer environments. We offer guidance, resources, and training to foster accountability and safety. Our Peer Support Committee (formerly “Whistleblower Support”) helps individuals process harm, access resources, and navigate reporting, while our Public Education Committee guides organizations in creating safer environments through policy advice, workshops, and access to educational resources.
We Are
Community-Driven
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Justice-Oriented
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Liberation-Focused
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Anti-Racist
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Gender-Equitable
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LGBTQIA+ Affirming
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Community-Driven • Justice-Oriented • Liberation-Focused • Anti-Racist • Gender-Equitable • LGBTQIA+ Affirming •
How We Got Here
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the marching arts world to a standstill. But in that pause, we saw an opportunity and a chance to rethink, rebuild, and reimagine the future of this activity we love.
In July 2020, founder Rand Clayton sent out a call to action on Twitter to create a grassroots organization to change the marching arts community for the better; the response was immediate! Passionate community members stepped up, ready to take action.
From that spark, our first core group was formed. Together, we built the foundation of MAASIN, drafting the first iteration of our Operating Procedures, defining our mission, vision, and values, and laying the groundwork for the movement we continue to grow today.
August 24, 2020. The beginning of it all! MAASIN officially launches, bringing together a community ready to advocate for safety, inclusion, and equity in the marching arts.
Spring 2021. MAASIN begins hosting town halls, panels, and discussion circles, including this one on the trans marching experience. We provided vital information on removing barriers for trans students and staff.
Fall 2021. A major milestone for us! Our first winter March With Pride Scholarship season! This scholarship, our biggest initiative, has been helping LGBTQIA+ performers in need twice a year ever since.
Spring 2022. A proud moment: one of our March With Pride Scholarship recipients! Several cycles in, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting marginalized performers in the marching arts through direct financial aid.
Spring 2023. Our first in-person event! We hosted a table in the merch tent at WGI in Dayton, where we got to meet our community face-to-face. It was an exciting milestone, handing out stickers, making real connections, and seeing the impact of our work in person.
Fall 2024. A HUGE milestone! After nearly five years of grassroots advocacy and scholarship support, MAASIN receives its first major grant from CVS. This funding marks a major step in expanding our impact.
For nearly five years, we’ve been uplifting and advocating for marginalized performers, creating safer, more inclusive spaces, and providing direct support through scholarships, resources, and education.
Looking ahead, this is only the beginning. With every scholarship awarded, every panel hosted, and every connection made, we are shaping the future of the marching arts into one that prioritizes people over scores, well-being over tradition, and inclusion over exclusion. We’re building a movement that will last and we can’t wait to see how far we’ll go together.