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...
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
