Join The Board

Do you have a passion for creating a world where women feel safe, seen, heard and connected?
EOI’s are open to join our Governance Board.

Be A Featured Artist

We are always on the lookout for inspiring Features and Rising Voices.

Open Mic

Our open mic is available for any woman identifying person who wants to share her/their story.

Volunteer

It is our Volunteers which make Mother Tongue happen. Without you, it would all be too much work for us!

OPEN – Expression of Interest

Board of Directors – Mother Tongue Poetry

Seeking 1 Secretary and 2 General Board Members

Mother Tongue Poetry is an established, Melbourne-based arts organisation with over 11 years of history in platforming the voices of women through spoken word. We are passionate about creating safer, inclusive spaces for women’s stories to be heard, shared, and celebrated.

We are currently seeking to appoint three new volunteer board members — one Secretary and two General Board Members — to support our next phase of growth and deepen the representation of diverse voices within our leadership.

We welcome expressions of interest from anyone who aligns with our values and mission. In this recruitment round, we are particularly encouraging applications from people who are not cis men, and who bring lived experience of marginalisation, including but not limited to:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

  • LGBTQIA+ communities

  • Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

  • Disability and/or neurodivergence

  • Migrant and multi-generational families

You do not need prior board experience to apply. We value community knowledge, lived experience, and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and the arts.

About Us

Our Vision:
A world of gender equality where all women feel safe, seen, heard, and connected.

Our Mission:
To become a leading intersectional feminist arts organisation that amplifies and equips diverse women’s voices, enhancing a culture of courage, connection, and equity.

Our Work Includes:

  • Live spoken word and storytelling events

  • Digital and media-based programming

  • Workshops, education, and professional development

  • Community partnerships and capacity building

Our values are rooted in passion, power, vulnerability, and honesty. We are committed to maintaining spaces where these values can be practiced and embodied by all involved.

About the Roles

Board Secretary (1 position)

  • Supports the smooth operation of the board, including maintaining accurate records, preparing agendas and minutes, and helping ensure compliance with relevant reporting obligations

  • Works closely with the Chair and other board members (training and support available)

  • Basic communication and organisational skills are helpful

General Board Member (2 positions)

  • Participates in strategic discussions, decision-making, and supports the organisation’s governance and sustainability

  • Offers insight, lived experience, and care in shaping the organisation’s direction

  • No administrative responsibilities required

All board roles are volunteer positions. The board meets for approximately 2 hours every second month, with occasional communication or input required between meetings.

What We Offer

  • A supportive and values-aligned working culture

  • Opportunities for leadership and professional development

  • Mentorship and training where needed

  • A meaningful role in supporting a respected arts organisation with a social justice mission

  • Flexibility and understanding around access needs, caregiving responsibilities, or differing availability

How to Apply

To express your interest, please submit either:

  • A brief written statement (max. 400 words), or

  • A short video or voice recording (max. 3 minutes)

Your expression of interest should address:

  • Why you are interested in joining the Mother Tongue Poetry board

  • What perspectives or lived experience you would bring to the role

  • Whether you are applying for the Secretary or General Board Member position

  • Any support you may need to participate fully

Deadline for submissions: July 26th 2025 – However earlier submissions are encouraged as they will be assessed upon receipt. 
Please send your EOI to mothertonguelove@gmail.com

 If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Volunteer

“I went visiting my friend in Melbourne and went to my first event last weekend. this was amazing. the crew is awesome, the performances amazing.”

Irisson Du Fresne

DETAILS…

It is our Volunteers which make Mother Tongue happen. Without you, it would all be too much work for us! From set-up and pack-down to promo, social media and beyond.

If you want to be kept in the loop for volunteer position availability, fill in our volunteer application form.

All genders are welcome to volunteer

Volunteer Application Form

9 + 1 =

Open Mic

“”Passionate, powerful, vulnerable, honest” – women sharing truths to an enthusiastic listening audience, what’s not to love about that?”

Rowan White

DETAILS…

Our open mic is available for any woman identifying person who wants to share her/their story.

To find out if you are eligible to perform in our space check out our Diversity Policy here.

Sign-up is on the night, so turn up to our next event early and make sure to get your name on the list before it fills up.