Michael Simkins, Author at Spokes | Resources for Nonprofits

The “E” in DEI

June 30, 2024 by Michael Simkins

Many of our local nonprofits have put considerable effort into diversifying their boards of directors. That’s good work toward the “D” in DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion. Today, let’s give some attention to the concept of equity.

First, let’s differentiate equity from equality. Equity refers to fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals. Unlike equality, which implies treating everyone the same, equity recognizes that different people have different circumstances and allocates resources and opportunities accordingly. College scholarships based on need are one classic example of equity. The Americans with Disabilities Act is another.

There are numerous visual depictions to contrast the two concepts. I like this one, from Sketchplantations, used by permission.

Removing Barriers

One powerful way for nonprofit leaders to promote equity is to identify and remove barriers. Attorney Heidi Christianson suggests two places to start. One is barrier language. She recommends eliminating “language that feels like ‘legalese’ and processes that are unnecessary. For example, “If Bylaws and policies are to represent an organization’s collective expectations, they need to be welcoming to all people.” In fact, composing such documents in clear, straightforward language may make it easier for everyone to understand and comply with them!

The second is barriers to service. For instance, Christianson encourages us to “think about meeting times, prohibition on board compensation, and length of board terms.” Look at your list of board expectations or your board member job description. Though not intending to, do they automatically put hurdles in the path of board service for some people but not others?

Here are additional resources for advancing equity in the nonprofit board room:

Microaggression

June 18, 2024 by Michael Simkins

The Spokes workshop, “Creating and Retaining an Inclusive Board Environment,” addressed two key concepts. One of them, unconscious bias, is the subject of a separate post. In this post, we’ll talk about “microaggression.” It’s something we all can be and probably are guilty of from time to time unintentionally and without realizing it.

The term “microaggression” refers to subtle, often unintentional, actions or comments that convey prejudiced or derogatory messages to individuals based on their membership in a marginalized group. These small, everyday instances of discrimination or bias can be verbal, behavioral, or environmental. Don’t be fooled by the prefix “micro.” Although microaggressions may seem minor, especially to the perpetrator, their cumulative impact can be significant and harmful. And even a single instance can sour a relationship or make a new member of your board feel uncomfortable.

Verbal microaggressions are one example:

Scenario: A manager tells a new Asian American employee, “Your English is so good!”
Why it’s a microaggression: The repeated interruptions suggest that her contributions are less valuable, reinforcing gender-based power dynamics and disrespect.

Behavioral microaggressions are another example:

Scenario: A woman is repeatedly interrupted by her male colleagues during a meeting.
Why it’s a microaggression: The repeated interruptions suggest that her contributions are less valuable, reinforcing gender-based power dynamics and disrespect.

Here are some resources for learning more about microaggressions, and how to deal with them when they happen.

Unconscious Bias

June 2, 2024 by Michael Simkins

What is unconscious bias, and what can I do about it?

Unconscious bias refers to the automatic, unintentional, and often subtle prejudices and stereotypes that influence our attitudes, actions, and decisions without our conscious awareness. These biases stem from our brain’s natural tendency to categorize and make quick judgments based on past experiences, cultural norms, and societal influences. While unconscious biases are a normal part of human cognition, they can lead to discriminatory behavior and perpetuate inequalities in various areas of life, including the work of our nonprofit staff and boards of directors.

What can I do?

Identifying unconscious biases is a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. One effective method is through implicit association tests (IATs), which measure the strength of associations between concepts (e.g., race, gender) and evaluations (e.g., good, bad) or stereotypes (e.g., athletic, intellectual). These tests can reveal hidden biases that might not be evident through self-reflection alone. One resource for such tests is Project Implicit.

Another useful strategy is to seek feedback from diverse groups. Engaging in open, honest conversations with individuals from different backgrounds can provide insights into how your behavior and decisions might be influenced by unconscious biases. Additionally, mindfulness practices, such as self-reflection and journaling, can help increase awareness of your thought patterns and challenge implicit assumptions. By recognizing and addressing unconscious biases, nonprofit leaders and board members can contribute to creating more fair and inclusive communities.

Website Privacy Policy

May 4, 2024 by Michael Simkins

We’re a nonprofit. Does our website need a privacy policy?

Yes, California nonprofit organizations are subject to privacy laws, including the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA), which requires operators of commercial websites or online services that collect personally identifiable information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on their website. While nonprofit organizations may not be explicitly stated in the law, if your nonprofit website collects personal information from California residents, it’s advisable to have a privacy policy to comply with CalOPPA and to demonstrate your commitment to protecting users’ privacy. Additionally, having a privacy policy can help build trust with your website visitors and donors.

The key elements of a policy include:

Identification of the Operator – that’s probably your nonprofit.
Types of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Collected – for example, names, email addresses, etc.
Purpose of Data Collection – why you collect the information and what you do with it
Third-Party Sharing – do you share it? If so, why and to whom
User Rights – especially how they can change or delete their data
Data Security Measures – how you protect the data
Policy on Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Changes to the Privacy Policy – how you notify of changes.
Contact Information – how can a user contact you.
Effective Date – date the policy went into effect.

For further reference: Making Your Privacy Practices Public from the California Department of Justice

Grant Management Basics

April 22, 2024 by Michael Simkins

We are a small nonprofit and we just got our first major grant. We want to do things right. What advice do you have?

Managing a first major grant can be an exciting opportunity for a small nonprofit. Here are some basic recommendations to help ensure success:

Understand the Grant Requirements: Hopefully, you did this before you applied for the grant! That said, this is a good time to thoroughly review the grant guidelines and requirements. Make sure you understand what is expected from your organization. Make sure you’re clear on the objectives, reporting deadlines, budgetary restrictions, and any other conditions attached to the grant.
Create a Project Plan: Develop a detailed project plan outlining how you will utilize the grant funds to achieve the proposed objectives. Break down the tasks, assign responsibilities, and set realistic timelines for completion.
Establish Clear Communication Channels: How will you keep everyone who is involved in the funded project on the same page? Maintain clear communication channels both within your nonprofit and with anyone outside who will be involved in implementation. Regular meetings and updates can help keep everyone informed and engaged.
Track Expenses and Budgets: Unless the grant you received is for general operations, use of the funds is typically restricted to the purpose for which the grant was awarded. Implement a robust system for tracking expenses related to the grant and regularly monitor your budget to ensure you’re staying within the allocated funds. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure compliance with grant requirements. Be prepared at any time to show how you have spent the grant funds.
Document Everything: Related to number four, keep detailed records of all activities, expenditures, and outcomes associated with the grant. Accurate documentation will not only help you meet reporting requirements but also provide valuable insights for future grant applications.
Build Relationships with Funders: Cultivate positive relationships with the grant funder(s) by keeping them informed of your progress, sharing success stories, and expressing gratitude for their support. This can increase the likelihood of future funding opportunities and potentially lead to ongoing partnerships.
Evaluate and Adapt: Regularly evaluate the progress of your grant-funded project against the established objectives and be prepared to adapt your approach if necessary. Collect feedback from stakeholders and use it to make informed decisions about how to best utilize the grant funds.
Comply with Reporting Requirements: Ensure that you meet all reporting deadlines and provide the required documentation as outlined in the grant agreement. Failure to comply with reporting requirements could jeopardize future funding opportunities.
Celebrate Successes: Take the time to celebrate milestones and successes achieved through the grant-funded project. Not only does this boost morale within your organization, but it also demonstrates to funders the impact of their investment.
Plan for Sustainability: Consider how you will sustain the outcomes of the grant-funded project beyond the grant period. If you did not have to do this as part of the application process, it’s time to develop a sustainability plan that outlines strategies for continued impact once the grant funding has ended.