At the annual conference of the leading international academic trade association for the study of nonprofits, a group of panelists, including NPQ’s Ruth McCambridge, took a hard look at why nonprofit governance in the US remains white-dominated and what to do about that.
Week 14 Group A Original Content Posted: 11/25/2018 (Late)
I found this article particularly interesting because it connects many of the experiences I am having in my professional life. The one issue with this article is it completely omitted the discussion of disability as part of diversity. The BoardSource report noted disability diversity as the area where nonprofit governance is lacking most. (Note: The BoardSource report discussed in this article is part of my Literature Review for this class.)
I am in the process of being installed onto a state council that oversees funding for nonprofit disability centers throughout the state, and there is a history of systemic racism in the way the funding has been distributed. A known weakness of the board is its lack of diversity and efforts to diversify it have had limited success so far. The current leadership understands the importance of diversity, equity, and culture change. However, they are still struggling to undo the effects of institutionalized racism.
Of particular interest is the discussion of how the selection of board members based on “financial capacity” often leads to the exclusion of minorities. Since minorities experience poverty at higher rates, this creates a disparate impact for minorities in relation to participation in nonprofit governance. The community capitals framework seems to be an especially valuable tool for nonprofits looking to increase their board diversity.
What do you find to be the most important ideas presented in this article? Do you agree or disagree that board members should be considered independent of their ability to contribute financially to an organization? How would you address issues of equity within your own nonprofit organization?
Week 14 Group B 11/30/18
I also found their to be a lack of diversity in nonprofit leadership. My literature review is focused on the this very topic. I was interested in the idea of nonprofits being viewed as “white spaces” and people of color essentially being the people the nonprofit assists. I was interested in this concept because it reverts back to the theory of money being an influence of being on a board. If you do not have the money you will not be on the board.
I think it would very beneficial for members of the community and members of minority groups as part of boards of nonprofits, even if they cannot contribute financially. The members of the community and the members of minority groups would be able to bring in a perspective not otherwise known. While not financially effective it would be a view the board could use to create better services.
To be honest my organization does have a majority of Caucasian females in their early 20s to late 30s. I do take into account I work for a nonprofit focusing heavily on social work and social work does not often have many men in general, not to mention men of color. I would encourage my organization go to more college and high school job fairs to offer internships. Have our more diverse employees be the ones to speak with the people who attend. Show anyone who is interested can be in this field, not just who is typically in this field.
