Member Engagement Team Committee Spotlight
A photo of singers out at a social event following OutRaleigh Pride, 2025.
Name: Caitlin Kauffman (she/her)
Other committee members: Wendy Fields (she/her), Beth Hoke (she/her), Wilma Schroeder (she/her), Janie Mac Neela (she/her), Brenda Knox (she/her)
Committee: Member Engagement Team (MET)
When was your committee created, and when did you begin serving on your committee?
MET was developed during the pandemic as a result of our learnings from the 1619 Project. MET was first utilized when we returned in person in the Fall of 2021.
What does your committee do for CWC?
The purpose of MET is to support the growth and development of our chorus community as a safe place for all members to show up with authenticity, pride, and joy.
What do you do for your committee, and what do you enjoy about it?
I was an original member of MET and chair the committee now. One responsibility of MET since its formation has been working in collaboration with the Artistic Director in utilizing rehearsal breaks to help build community and connection. This has been done with check-in questions and splitting singers into varying groups to allow for connection with a wider number of people. Overall, what I love about MET is helping to build & support this community to be a safe space for our people.
What is your vision for the future of your committee? Any current goals/initiatives?
I would like to have an established network of communication to make sure that no one falls through the cracks and that everyone has the support they need. I want every member to feel seen, accepted, and connected to - and within - our community.
Any favorite projects, initiatives, or events related to your committee that you'd like to talk about?
One thing I have enjoyed doing since beginning MET has been finding ways to connect singers through intentional check-in questions and changing up how we form the groups. Ideally, this creates opportunity to connect with singers in other voice parts that one might not otherwise get to know by simply coming to sing at rehearsals.
During COVID times, I found that coming to Zoom/virtual socials allowed me to connect with and get to know other singers in a way I would not have by just attending rehearsals. I was new at the time and was able to find my place in this community because of the space that was created to facilitate connection & bonding. I want us to be able to continue doing that for others!