Race Matters in Nonprofits: Promoting Diversity in Our Profession

Race Matters in Nonprofits Promoting Diversity in Our Sector

Why Does Race Matter?

In a Generation, Minorities May Be the U.S . Majority Ethnic and racial minorities will comprise a majority of the nation’s population in a little more than a generation, according to new Census Bureau projections, a transformation that is occurring faster than anticipated just a few years ago. The census calculates that by 2042, Americans who identify themselves as Hispanic, Black, Asian, American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander will together outnumber non-Hispanic whites. Four years ago, officials had projected the shift would come in 2050.

Today about 30% of Americans identify as non-white with demographics rapidly changing by 2050 non-whites will make up 54% of the total population .
Hispanic population rising from 15% to 30% by 2050. Nearly one in three U.S. residents would be Hispanic.
African Americans from 14% to 15% by 2050.
Asian Americans from 5% to 9% in 2050.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NONPROFITS?

94% of foundation presidents are White 82% of executive directors are White 86% of board members are White

18% of EDs are people of color 14% of board members are people of color 6% of foundation CEOs are people of color

Each of us holds the future of the nonprofit sector in our own hands.

"This is not the time to be afraid or timid because the challenges are formidable. Now is the time to take both personal and institutional risks.“ - Wenda Weekes Moore, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

What roles can we each play as an agent of change? WE ARE NONPROFIT CULTURE

Speak Out

Prioritize Cultural Competency
Pay attention to how your own assumptions and cultural background could affect your interaction with other people

Expand Your Networks

Intentionally develop and maintain relationships with community leaders and bridge builders across race, ethnicity, and culture
Make the extra effort to reach out to and include members of a particular group who often get left out

Avoid Tokenism

Encourage Professional Development Intentionally attend learning forums (e.g., seminars, workshops) to deepen your understanding about race, ethnicity, culture, and equity, and/or about the particular group of people with whom you are working

"As a Latino in philanthropy, it helps to meet other professionals dealing with the same challenges that I’m dealing with and to have the opportunity to learn from what they’ve experienced in the field.“ -Edgar Aguirre, California Community Foundation Support Affinity Groups

Your Commitment: How Will You Promote Diversity in Our Sector?

Rosetta Thurman, M.S. www.rosettathurman.com [email_address] Sources: Alliance for Nonprofit Management Ready to Lead, Meyer Foundation New York Post Nonprofit Times

Race Matters in Nonprofits: Promoting Diversity in Our Profession

by Rosetta Thurman on Mar 14, 2009

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Race Matters in Nonprofits: Promoting Diversity in Our Profession — Presentation Transcript