by Allison Howe on September 19, 2022 for Blue Avocado
Article In Brief:
- The Problem: While nonprofits say they support improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) actually doing it requires getting the board to buy-in to the need for culture change.
- Why it Happens: There are many reasons DEIB efforts fail including not being a part of the strategic plan, lack of board champions, and lack of budget.
- The Solution: It starts with measuring outcomes and holding the ED and board accountable.
Propelled in large part by Black Lives Matter and George Floyd’s murder, the current social justice movement sweeping across the United States is showing up in every industry.
In the nonprofit world, donors, clients, and other partners are pushing organizations to demonstrate how they are honestly assessing and acting to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts.
Undoubtedly, there will be organizations more focused on saying they care about the issue for the sake of appearances (and funding) rather than on doing the work involved in making significant and lasting change. Fortunately though, there are nonprofits working diligently to figure out how best to fully incorporate the values of DEIB into their mission, their culture, and their programming.
Let’s assume that your board has bought into the need for seeking change in DEIB culture. Now what? Here are seven ideas to consider as you continue to push forward this important work. Read more about the seven steps.