Diversity In the Non-Profit world.. Where is it? I can't SEE it...

When I found out the topic was Diversity this week, I was excited to write this blog. Now, as I start to write it, I wonder if I am going to share anything new with the readers -- or if what you will read are things you already know...

I think the most obvious observation to make about diversity related to non-profits is that the field is dominated by white women, many white men in positions of leadership, and limited folks of colour in any position. Research indicates that folks of colour are around 20%, depending on the issue area, with environmental based organizations are lowest. And only 8% of Executive Directors were "racially diverse". It doesn't stop there, it stated that 80% of Board Members are white, and a majority of volunteers are white (http://communitywealth.com/the-state-of-diversity-in-the-nonprofit-sector/).

Why is this happening? Well, culture and cycles continue to reproduce themselves...and this is no different. See image below of the self-reinforcing cycle of majority white staff.



It's a tough balance to strike, because we know that women are minorities in leadership roles, but do dominate "helper" fields. The challenge I have experienced, more than 5 times, is having a "Women's Leadership Conference" or "Speaker Series" - and that being dominated by white women.

I also don't think I need to explain why diversity is important - but I will. When are diverse as an ecosystem, we become more productive and can generate innovative ideas when we bring people of various backgrounds together, it aids perspective building, we can understand and break down the complexities in the world, it can create real acceptance - not just tolerance, it supports a richer life experience, and it enhances our social development and understanding of the world around us (ie. global citizenship).

And yes, it IS getting better, and we do have more diversity of folks involved in the non-profit sector - but I think we are moving too slowly. What can we do to differently? Any ideas?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts...

- The Educator, Artist, and the Activist 

The trend of enterprising non-profits...

Hi folks! I'm back!

I know it's been a while since my last post, but I'm back in school. I'm currently taking a few courses at Algonquin College, which include Introduction to Non-Profit Management. I’m really enjoying the course – the content is quite engaging and I am learning a lot.

One of my first assignments is address an important or challenging issue facing non-profit organizations today. The issue that I would like to have a discussion about is the concept of “enterprising non-profits”. I believe that there is added pressure for non-profit organizations to a) address the core of their social issue that they are working towards, b) create ways of either generating income, or employment and c) finding alternative ways of funding themselves (as one of the biggest worries for a non-profit organization is funding).

So, what is a social enterprise? What makes it different than a non-profit organization?

In a few words, a social enterprise “makes money, and does good for the world”. A social enterprise can refer to a for-profit business entity with a social mission, or it can also be a non-profit if there is some type of product or service offered. Social enterprises can broadly be defined as “any organization or business that uses the market- oriented production and sale of goods and/or services to pursue a public benefit mission.” Now, social enterprises are not new concepts – they have been around for centuries. Take for example, a museum or art gallery – their social enterprise? A gift shop! A way to generate revenue to support the exhibit. Simple, isn’t it? Brilliant business model, for a non-profit, don’t you think? So why are talking about social enterprises more? As I mentioned above, I believe that this generation really wants to address the core of a social issue. Ie. They are less interested in funding a food bank, but rather, curbing food insecurity as a whole. Non-profit organizations have been stereotyped has operating with their heart, and not having a “business mind”. They also have a tendency to focus on charity, and not change within the system. While having a good heart is the crux of a non-profit, is that changing in 2018? I think it is. 
Does that have to change? I’m really not sure….

So, what is the future of non-profits?

I work with many highly engaged students (we call Student Leaders) at Algonquin College, and many of them want to address some sort of social issue, or give back to their community. I have met with over 20 students in the last year who are either Business (as their Major) students who want to start a social enterprise, or non-Business (Major) students who want to start a non-profit organization or a social enterprise. When these students are getting ready to start something, they want to make it “socially-minded” – that is what I have noticed. Many students are nervous about starting their own non-profit organization, because they are worried about money, or "core funding". It is more appealing to start a business, using a social enterprise model. People feel good about creating change, and making money. With the power of Crowdfunding, it is also a lot easier to start, and fund a great initiative. 

The reality is, good, or bad, social enterprises are becoming the “new norm” for many non-profits who feel the pressure to change the way they operate, for whatever reason that might be. Take a look at Operation Come Home, for example, a long-standing non-profit in Ottawa, which now has over 5 social enterprises. I see this happening more and more.

So, where do we go from here? How does one manage this trend?

I think that I would like to wrap up by saying, whether you are managing a non-profit or a social enterprise, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your organization is sustainable, and creating lasting impact in your local or global community. There are some amazing social enterprises, that are creating brilliant impact. However, there are some social enterprises that are using the term, to gain supporters – yet all the while, not creating any social good, or creating more problems in communities. As a famous Ivan Illich speech once said “The road to hell is paved with good intensions”.

Here is an example, for a social enterprise - TOMS Shoes. Below are four articles that outline some major challenges with their social enterprise.

Link 1: https://www.triplepundit.com/2012/04/problem-charity-model-toms-shoes/

Link 2: https://www.racked.com/2015/7/27/9046207/toms-shoes-charity-poverty

Link 3: https://www.vox.com/2015/7/23/9025975/toms-shoes-poverty-giving

Link 4: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/one-one-business-model-social-impact-avoiding-unintended-consequences/

“You’re pretty smart, but poor people know more about their needs than you do”

So, what do you think? 

Are you thinking of enterprising your non-profit organization? Is there room in Canadian society of non-profit organizations and social enterprises? Where will we be 10 years from now? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts...



In solidarity,

- The Educator, Artist, and the Activist