girls rock mKE is undergoing an Organizational Name Change Process
On our 12th birthday on December 12, 2024, Girls Rock MKE announced that we will be undergoing an organizational name change process with an anticipated rebrand launch on January 1st, 2026. This page addresses any questions you may have as well as guidance on how YOU can get involved in this process!
What’s up with the name change?
Girls Rock MKE was founded on the idea of amplifying young, marginalized voices, rooted in the desire to provide an inclusive space where participants of diverse identities not only develop musical and creative skills, but also develop confidence, collaborate with peers, and challenge traditional gender norms. Our organizational mission is to empower individuals of marginalized identities and diverse experiences through music education and performance.
Though our organizational name Girls Rock MKE reflects gendered languaged, our mission has always been dedicated to empowering not just cis-gender girls and women, but all marginalized gender identities, inclusive of non-binary and transgender individuals, through music education and performance. As our community grows and evolves, so must our name. We believe it is time to change our organization name to reflect who we actually serve. This change reflects our commitment to building a community that welcomes and supports all voices, ensuring our mission resonates with everyone we aim to uplift. In August 2023, the Girls Rock MKE board approved a motion to change the organization name, with the process formally kicking off in Fall 2024.
Why is Girls Rock MKE changing its name?
Our organizational mission and values reflect an intersectional feminism, and acknowledge that our work towards social justice must consider the multiple interacting layers of identity. In this sense, Girls Rock MKE programs are and always have been inclusive of non-binary and trans individuals, serving girls, women, and all marginalized gender identities with unwavering commitment. However, our current organizational name is gendered and does not accurately reflect the true extent of the inclusivity we wish to convey as a non-binary- and trans-inclusive organization.
We’re changing our name to better reflect our values of inclusion and ensure that everyone in our community feels welcome and represented. Our new name will honor our mission of empowerment and creativity while embracing all marginalized gender identities.
Does this mean the organization’s mission or programs are changing?
Not at all! Our mission to empower marginalized individuals through music education, collaboration, and creativity remains the same. The name change is simply a step toward ensuring our values are fully reflected in every aspect of what we do. With an organizational rebrand to reflect our intersectional and inclusive mission and values, we anticipate maximum impact in our programs, allowing our participants to show up authentically without questioning whether they belong. Girls Rock MKE is committed to executing programming in alignment with our stated and lived values, and creating thriving, inclusive incubators of creativity and social change.
Who will the new name represent?
Our new name will be emergent from the community we serve and will be inclusive of people of all marginalized gender identities, expressions, and experiences, aligning with our commitment to fostering a diverse and welcoming environment.
How Will the decision to change the name Be made?
The name change decision will be guided by intensive community feedback collected through identified program evaluation and change management processes.
In Fall 2024, Girls Rock MKE began a formal Program Evaluation process using the "Most Significant Change" approach to capture and analyze the stories of significant changes that have occurred as a result of participating in Girls Rock and Ladies Rock camps. Focus groups composed of a variety of stakeholders including former and current campers, volunteers, and parents are slated to be conducted in February 2025. The information gleaned from this process is intended to inform many facets of our organization, including programming and outreach strategies, as well as our organizational name change decision in support of a fully inclusive brand.
Our Most Significant Change program evaluation and name change decision making process will be guided by the ADKAR change management process and in partnership with a program evaluation consultant.
What Will the New Name Be?
Renaming our organization is no small task and not one we can do on our own. Our name change process will rely on extensive input from our community and stakeholders via focus groups and surveys. Once this input is received, our board and leadership will analyze the data and identify an emergent name that reflects our mission and community input. We anticipate a new name announcement in mid-2025. By January 1, 2026, we aim to complete the rebrand of our organization and roll out this rebrand to our community.
How Can I Support this Transition?
Your support means the world to us! If you would like to take an active role in our name change process, you can:
Apply to participate in one of our focus groups
Complete a community input survey to share your thoughts.
You can also help by sharing our message, continuing to participate in and promote our programs, and spreading the word about our inclusive mission.
How can I provide input or get involved?
We value your voice!
Apply to participate in one of our focus groups and/or complete a community input survey to share your thoughts.
If you have ideas, questions, or want to help with the transition, please send us an email.
Will the name change impact partnerships or events?
No, our partnerships and events will continue as planned. We’re excited to move forward with the same vibrant community and collaborative spirit.