Category: Blog Articles

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Nonprofits

Photo depicts a small team of nonprofit volunteers and beneficiaries positioned for a photo in front of a van that carries boxes that say "AID" and "FOOD." They wear gentle, open smiles, and appear to be a millennial Asian man and woman wearing 'Volunteer' shirts, a millennial White woman and an older gentleman of indeterminate race with pale skin sitting in a wheelchair. There is gentle sunlight that casts shadows across the scene.

Nonprofit organizations have a unique history filled with a “calling” to provide aid to those suffering. While this is commendable work, there is usually strife within these agencies due to top-heavy leadership, inconsistent pay scales and a lack of upward mobility. While the premise for providing help has not changed, today’s nonprofits are seeking to become change agents and learn to navigate the barriers that create challenges for them internally aligning with their core values.

Gender Interrogation is for Everyone

Thokozani Mbwana, a black agendered individual, leans against a wall as his tattoos and top give us floral life.

When we think about gender interrogation we usually reserve the practice for transgender, genderqueer and gender-diverse persons. Exploring gender is frequently associated with queering oneself or their identity, but there are many benefits to everyone, including cisgender persons.

How to Ask for HELP at Work? | Dear Lisa

A man buries his face in his hands, wearing a pink sweater and pushing his glasses up onto his forehead.

“Dear Lisa: How do I stop trying to do everything myself and ask for HELP at work? I’m overwhelmed and know I could probably find things to delegate or outsource, but I don’t know where to begin.”

Do I Need Therapy to Do DEI? | Ask Lisa

A young woman with caramel skin and curly hair sits with her knees splayed apart on a cough, talking as she gestures with some flair into the air.

“Dear Lisa: Do I need to be in therapy to truly implement DEI work? I find myself really wrestling with the emotions this work is bringing up, and I don’t necessarily feel comfortable processing them all publicly. . .”

We Don’t Have Enough Time for DEI | Ask Lisa

A man with his head in his hand, sitting behind a white laptop.

“Dear Lisa,

The people in my org, including myself, really want to do the work of DEI and as y’all call it, unlearning racism. The problem is, we’re already so overloaded and understaffed that no one is quite sure where to find the time for it. . .”

I’m Overwhelmed and Overcommitted – Help! | Ask Lisa

“Dear Lisa,

I don’t know if I can keep up this pace for another year.
I don’t know what to give up, and I don’t know how. I feel like I’m careening toward collapse and I’m supposed to be starting the year with fresh excitement?? HELP!”