At Upbeat GNV, our mission is to address the mental health challenges faced by musicians by offering a range of services and support. Here's how we strive to make a difference:

• We believe in the power of education. We provide comprehensive education on the risk factors associated with musicians' mental health, equipping musicians with the knowledge they need to take care of their well-being.

• Awareness plays a crucial role in promoting mental health. We work tirelessly to raise awareness about the current state of musicians' mental health, shedding light on the unique challenges they face in their industry.

• Talk therapy can be incredibly beneficial for musicians dealing with mental health issues. We actively encourage and facilitate access to talk therapy, connecting musicians with qualified professionals who can provide the support they need.

• Understanding the impact of industry factors is essential for musicians' well-being. Our mentors guide musicians in navigating the complex landscape of the music industry, helping them recognize how various factors can influence their mental health and providing strategies for coping and thriving.

• Building healthier relationships within our music community is a priority for us. We foster a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting a sense of community and collaboration among musicians, which can significantly contribute to their overall well-being.

By focusing on these areas, we aim to make a positive and lasting impact on the mental health of musicians. Join us in creating a healthier and more vibrant music community.

Why does Upbeat GNV focus on musicians?

Musicians are cultural workers who emerging research suggests face mental health challenges at a higher rate than the general population. They face increased financial precarity, relationship strain, exposure and proximity to substance abuse while having to remain always “on” navigating a difficult and competitive industry. While their status is economically no different than that of other freelance workers, the nature of their work requires a unique level of personal and emotional investment and their work is often done without the supervision or protection of labor unions and/or other safety regulation and oversight.

Do Upbeat GNV volunteers get paid?

As of now, no Upbeat GNV director or volunteer is paid for their time. The organization will occasionally enter into financial agreements with individuals or other organizations (examples: clinicians, outside graphic designers, outside videographers, musical artists, venues) on a per-case basis. However, we try to compensate volunteers by offering perks, like free access to concerts if you’re working a table, possibly even some free lessons on an instrument, music career mentorship, etc.

What is the time commitment for volunteering with Upbeat GNV?

No Upbeat GNV volunteer is required to meet any minimum time requirement. Your time is your time. All we ask is that you communicate when you cannot be available for something you’d previously committed to.

What if I have a cool idea for Upbeat GNV?

We welcome new ideas and input from volunteers. If you have something you want to contribute, talk to one of the organization’s directors to have it considered!

What do I do if I feel someone’s safety is at risk?

If you find yourself in a situation in which you feel your safety or another person’s safety is at-risk:

• If someone else is in danger of harming themselves, assess the situation, attempt to apply Mental Health First Aid skills. If the situation is not a dire life/death situation, notify a director at first opportunity.

  • *If the situation is life/death and applying Mental Health First Aid fails, call 911 and ask for a “co-responder team,” which dispatches an officer along with a trained mental health representative. This would represent the highest form of escalation we use to handle a crisis.

• If you feel unsafe in a situation while volunteering for Upbeat GNV, try to exit the situation and notify a director immediately. If you feel your life is in danger, call 911 immediately. Do not play games.

• If you see a volunteer acting in an inappropriate way with another volunteer on duty, notify a director immediately. Upbeat GNV has a zero tolerance policy toward harassment and bullying.