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Dec 09

Staying the Course on DEIB Initiatives in Social Services: A Crucial Commitment

By Feature

This post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with Charitable Advisors. Therefore, the views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Charitable Advisors.

Melissa Norman, CEO of Choices Coordinated Care Solutions

In social services, where organizations are tasked with supporting vulnerable populations with complex needs, the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives cannot be overstated. While some organizations are reevaluating or stepping back from their DEIB commitments, it is critical to recognize that staying the course is essential not only for the effectiveness of our organizations but also for the communities we serve.

Social services organizations operate at the intersection of various social issues, addressing challenges related to poverty, health disparities, and systemic injustice. In these spaces, diversity is not merely an asset; it is a necessity. A workforce that reflects a range of backgrounds perspectives can enhance understanding and empathy, leading to more effective and culturally responsive services. When our team members reflect the communities they serve, clients are more likely to feel understood, respected, and empowered. At Choices, we are proud to have team members with lived experience in areas of substance use disorder or who experience mental health challenges. These team members bring invaluable insights, which leads to more personalized care.

DEIB is not just a buzzword or a passing trend—it’s a moral imperative. For social service organizations, DEIB is not just a commitment to excellence but commitment to justice. The populations we serve—whether struggling with mental health challenges, overcoming substance use, survivors of domestic violence, or other marginalized communities—often face barriers that stem from systemic inequity. When we fully commit to DEIB, organizations acknowledge these realities and work to dismantle them.

Building public trust is essential in social services. Communities must feel confident that the organizations meant to support them are competent, compassionate and inclusive. Communities that feel represented and valued are more likely to engage with services, trust the organization, and ultimately experience better outcomes. When an organization steps back from its DEIB commitments, it risks alienating those they aim to help and undermining the impact it hopes to have.

Critics may argue that DEIB initiatives are difficult to implement effectively, citing resistance to change or the challenge of measuring success. However, the solution is not to abandon these efforts. We need to lean in—refining our approach and recommitting to our goals. Limited funding, staff burnout, and competing priorities can make DEIB efforts seem secondary. But addressing these barriers through strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership engagement ensures that DEIB is woven into the fabric of our organizations.

Creative partnerships with community organizations or other service providers can expand DEIB efforts without draining internal resources. Also, incorporating DEIB into existing organizational practices such as recruitment, training, and program development, helps to ensures that these efforts become a sustainable part of organizational culture.

DEIB strategies require commitment, transparency, and genuine engagement from leadership. These initiatives should be viewed as an evolving journey, not a fixed destination. As organizations, we must be willing to learn, adapt, and grow from both successes and setbacks.

Now is the time for leaders in social services organizations to recommit to DEIB efforts. I encourage every leader to assess their current strategies, invest in meaningful training, and listen closely to the voices of those they serve. The journey may be filled with bumps and challenges, but the impact is profound, creating ripples of positive change for generations to come.

This essay is part of our new monthly From the Community feature, highlighting written work from individuals who aim to educate, inform, and inspire the nonprofit community. To submit your own work for consideration, please email Chelsea Ohlemiller at chelsea@charitableadvisors.com.

About the author: Melissa became Chief Executive Officer of Choices in 2022, bringing more than 25 years of dedicated experience working with youth and families. Prior to leading the organization, she served as Chief Operations Officer and Indiana Executive Director at Choices for a decade. Her career includes a variety of leadership roles within Indiana’s Department of Child Services, culminating in her position as Deputy Director of Permanency and Practice. Melissa’s expertise in child welfare, systems reform, and family-focused services continues to drive her commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.

Sep 27

Does DEI matter?: More than 70% of Central Indiana nonprofit employees say, ‘Yes’

By Feature

NFPN survey reveals support for continuing DEI initiatives

by Shari Finnell, Not-for-profit News editor/writer

(First in a series of articles about Charitable Advisors’ NFPN “How Are You Doing?” survey)

Many nonprofit organizations are still grappling with how to address diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) policies — more than a year after protests erupted nationwide after the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer.

And that work still matters, according to nearly 70 percent of about 450 nonprofit employees who responded to a recent Not-for-profit News survey about how they’re coping in the aftermath of one of the most tumultuous periods in the nation’s history.

When asked if their organization’s stance on DEI personally impacts them as an employee, 30 percent responded it impacts them “a great deal,” 42 percent said it impacted them “somewhat,” and 28 percent responded, “not at all.”

However, based on the survey responses, employees also said that their employers likely think that they are doing better than they actually are — or at least in comparison to how the employees perceived they were progressing with DEI issues.

When asked, “What do you think your leadership would say about your organization’s progress on DEI?,” nearly 35 percent of employees responded that their leaders probably would feel that the work isn’t new — “we have always valued inclusion and equity.” About 34 percent said that their employees would believe that they “are having some hard conversations and making important changes,” while nearly 24 percent said their leadership probably would feel that “we are talking about it but not doing anything, not doing much,” and 7.75 percent would say, “we aren’t talking about it.”

In contrast, employees’ perceptions about that question, “What do you think about your organization’s progress on DEI?” was as follows:

  • This work isn’t new to us — we have always valued inclusion and equity — 23.06 percent
  • We are having some hard conversations and making important changes — 29.37 percent
  • We are talking about it but not doing anything, not doing much — 36.17 percent
  • We aren’t talking about it — 11.41 percent

Survey respondents weigh in on DEI successes and challenges 

Some respondents said that their organizations have been committed to undertaking DEI work not just since the social justice protests — but for some time.

One survey respondent said, “The organization has been working for a while now on DEI. I feel like we are on the right track, but we still have more to improve on. We need more diverse leadership and board representation.”

Others shared a wide range of thoughts about DEI, revealing various challenges such as coming to a common understanding of what it means. Some believed that the solution requires an extensive undertaking, while some believed it is much less complicated to undertake. Here are some responses:

  • “We need to stop arguing about the reality of racism and accept that systemic racism is real and that we must address it to succeed in our mission.”
  • “We need to judge people based on their character and not their color, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. It’s really simple.”
  • “We need to be more modern … stop letting the older Baby Boomers make decisions that affect a wide swath of people. This group (in our organization, at least) doesn’t want to make changes or doesn’t understand why they’re important.”
  • “We need to weave it into our daily practice, educating ourselves in it, holding each other accountable.”
  • “Add diversity to the team, address a misogynistic work environment, stop training our organizations on topics we refuse to even talk about. Dismantle the good ‘ol boy stronghold.”
  • “We need more internal communication, so everyone understands it.”

While many respondents said that their organizations are committed to DEI, some pointed out that it can be challenging to seriously invest in it to create substantial change. Others felt that their organizations weren’t fully committed to the work.

“It’s tough when we are remote,” one survey respondent said. “Not to do DEI, but to do SERIOUS anti-racism work. DEI is a facade in most cases. Equity is the only part I think impacts systemic change. D and I are just an illusion. We need transformation.”

Another survey respondent said, “We have really avoided this conversation as a team and board despite my repeated attempts at raising concerns. We should at a minimum be looking at our internal policies and having some hard conversations about how we operate.”

One nonprofit employee said that conversations about DEI are difficult because they have become politicized. “There is a reluctance to take a public stance on DEIA (diversity, equity inclusion and accessibility) issues — especially addressing them head-on,” the employee said. “However, general public statements do not protect those of us who have had to accommodate the feelings of others for decades. Being a leader today on issues around DEIA is just seen as too political. This is so very antiquated in perspective. My human rights to be myself don’t have anything to do with politics. But at the same time, my employer is diversifying hiring. So, I’m no longer the only native Spanish-speaker in the building apart from the cleaning staff. There’s that, at least.”

Personal perspectives also came up as challenges that may be difficult to overcome, according to numerous nonprofit employees:

  • “I struggle deeply with issues of DEI. I believe it’s incredibly important, and support DEI efforts wherever I encounter them, but as a white male do not know how to contribute effectively and with respect to colleagues of color, nor do I understand my own position or allowable expression as it relates to accepting or advancing my own career. As a first-generation, college-goer from a blue collar background, I can see how DEI efforts can gain wide acceptance among the white-collar workforce while causing confusion and backlash among so many who take great pride in what they’ve accomplished (and are understandably confused about issues of privilege). The lack of personal connection due to COVID has exasperated this confusion on my part, as my interactions with colleagues feel less genuine and more awkward, while DEI issues have become increasingly important and widely discussed.”
  • “I am the only person of color in my organization. It puts a great deal of pressure on me to perform at a near inhuman level.”
  • “I wish we were doing more. I’m in the majority and I don’t think people in the majority can do much to make positive change.”

Implementing DEI in the workplace — perspectives from two nonprofit organizations

For nonprofits undertaking DEI initiatives in recent years, the process is continually evolving as teams better understand what it takes to achieve successful outcomes, according to two survey respondents who agreed to be interviewed.

Sally Bindley, MSW, founder and CEO of School on Wheels, said the 20-year-old organization in Indianapolis started focusing on DEI initiatives in 2016. At that time, the team developed a diversity task force to broaden and diversify School on Wheels’ volunteer tutor base. “We wanted it to be more representative of the students we served,” Bindley recalled. School on Wheels received a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., to support the work.

It didn’t take long for the School on Wheels team to realize that diversity, equity and inclusion needed to be integrated into all aspects of the organization’s operations — not just as a side project, Bindley said.

“Diversity is not a task. If you approach DEI as a standalone initiative, you check the box. This way it’s more of a thought process,” she said. “We made it a standing committee of the board of directors — a diversity committee led by a member of the board. Just as we have regular reports from other committees, finance, executive, development, we have regular reports on diversity.”

As a result, employees and board members have become increasingly more aware and intentional on how to include diversity in all areas — from identifying where diverse volunteers are living and working to ensuring diversity in marketing, messaging and operations, Bindley said.

When asked about advice she would give to other nonprofits on embarking on DEI work, Bindley said that it is important to acknowledge that it is an ongoing process.

“Being intentional for us is being aware. Review your language,” she said. “Whether it’s job posts, or messages circulating on your website, make sure you’re mindful of what you’re putting out there. Do you have a commitment to DEI? A statement against racism and hate? We also realized our volunteer recruitment flyers needed to be in English and Spanish. If you don’t have a DEI program, that’s OK. Start with training: What is diversity? What is inclusion? What are microaggressions? Then analyze how you’re doing with all of that. Once we had the in-depth fast training, it brought so much awareness to our language and conversation.

“We’ve made strides, but there’s always more work to do,” she added. “It’s constantly evolving.”

Bindley also said she is a strong believer in hiring a consultant to help assess where the organization stands with incorporating DEI, as well as ensuring that she, as a leader, is fully engaged in the process. Although School on Wheels designated a person to undergo DEI training, Bindley said that she makes sure to personally engage in DEI initiatives.

“I want to have the most opportunities to grow and to impact change as a leader,” she said. “I have zero time, but I can’t say, ‘You’re in charge of this and let me know how it’s going,’” she said. “If you’re a leader of a nonprofit, this messaging starts at the top. If you don’t make it a priority, it’s obvious. I can’t say I’ve always done it right, but you have to be vulnerable as a leader and say this is what I know, what I don’t know, and this is what I need to learn.”

Guenevere Kalal, MSM, director of foster care services for Damar, said that DEI has been at the top of the nonprofit organization’s list of priorities for some time. The team members want to ensure that they are culturally aware of the clients they serve. 

“Our foster families are very diverse,” Kalal said. “Over the past couple years, we have seen more children from Hispanic, Burmese and other cultures coming into light for support in the child welfare system.” As a result, they have initiated discussions on how to gain a better understanding of the various cultures and ensuring that they are always culturally and racially sensitive, she said.

Open, candid conversations and acknowledging personal biases must be a priority, Kalal said.

“My approach to many things, not only with my staff, is to be as professionally transparent as possible. It can’t be the elephant in the room. We need to learn how to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations,” she said.

That process also includes checking in with families for feedback on their interactions with staff, including asking if they have felt any disparities from staff members.

The team also committed to undergoing training, including a two-day workshop, Interrupting Racism for Children, offered by Child Advocates. “The Department of Child Services also did an excellent job of doing their research on what potential trainings are out there to help our providers navigate conversations about racism, including series on Netflix and PBS,” Kalal said.

“We need to understand where we came from as a country. I don’t want to dwell on the past, but it has a huge influence on where we are,” she added. “I need to understand that so I know how I can focus on becoming part of a positive change.”

Jul 12

3 essential practices to create an inclusive board culture

By Sponsor Insight

Ask the challenging questions needed to achieve alignment with diversity goals

by Erin Hedges, president, Hedges

Despite good intentions, there is still much diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work to be done in the nonprofit boardroom. A June 2021 report from BoardSource indicates that while boards may be getting slightly more diverse, they are far from representing the communities they serve, and recruitment practices too often lack alignment with diversity goals.

At Hedges, we are challenging ourselves to question traditional board governance practices and identify new ways for organizations to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive board culture. Resulting from our learnings, we share three practices for nonprofit leaders to consider:

  1. DEI work should be grounded in an organization’s “why.” Too often, the purpose of recruiting diverse board members is to “check a box” provided by funders on a grant application. This narrow approach misses the opportunity for important board-driven conversations that can identify how diversity in representation, lived experiences, and perspectives can unlock greater potential for the organization. By taking time to uncover the reasons “why” an organization needs more diversity in the boardroom, boards can identify the specific purpose for board-led DEI efforts and create a collective responsibility to move these efforts forward.

To get started, BoardSource offers specific questions boards can ask themselves to explore an organization’s purpose for having a more diverse boardroom including:

  • Is our organization’s reputation being negatively (or positively) impacted by our board’s composition vis-à-vis diversity?
  • If someone were to make assumptions about our organizational values based on our board composition, what would they be likely to think?
  • How well are we cultivating a deeper understanding of the community or communities that we serve and bringing their perspectives, needs, feedback, and priorities into our strategic boardroom discussions?
  • Are we ever at risk of making decisions without fully understanding how these decisions may affect those we serve?
  • If we were to make a deeper commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, what would that mean for our mission, our work, and the people we serve?

Once the board can formulate responses to these types of questions, it will gain clarity as to “why” board diversity matters and what the organization has to gain. The board will have identified its purpose in developing a plan to recruit and successfully support more diverse members that can bring valuable, new contributions to discussions, deliberations, and decision-making for the organization.

  1. Bylaws can be a powerful DEI tool. Moving DEI intentions into action is key to successfully creating an inclusive boardroom. In addition to developing a plan to use as a playbook, board members can consider incorporating DEI provisions into the organization’s bylaws. Not only will these provisions guide and direct board members, but also provide accountability measures that will increase successful outcomes of these efforts.

Including DEI provisions in bylaws demonstrates that DEI is a core organizational value. NEO Law Group offers specific recommendations of how organizations can accomplish this. One of our favorites is stating the diversity goal from your plan (i.e., greater diversity in representation, lived experience, and perspectives) in your bylaws. A favorite focused on equity is including an equitable compensation provision that all employees should be paid a fair and reasonable wage. A favorite focused on inclusion is adding a Conduct of Meetings provision to allow directors other than the president to chair meetings. A full list of their recommendations can be found here.

To ensure these DEI commitments are reflected in an organization’s approved bylaws, review each section of the current bylaws and determine how they need to be revised to reinforce DEI commitments. Building these commitments into bylaws will provide accountability to organizational leadership in moving to more diverse, equitable, and inclusive board governance.

  1. Board member value should be viewed beyond what they can give or get. Historically, nonprofit organizations have relied on their board for fundraising and, in fact, we have recommended this practice many times over. But when boards set minimums for board member financial contributions and give/get policies, barriers based on a person’s “treasure” are created. At Hedges, we are challenging organizations to let go of the old giving and getting minimums and, instead, encourage individual giving amounts that are “personally meaningful” to each board member.

Organizations with giving minimums or give/get policies for board members should ask themselves what barriers to board diversity and inclusivity are these policies creating? What perspectives, lived experiences, or talents might we be missing on our board because of these policies?

That’s not to say that board members shouldn’t still be involved in fundraising. When training organizations to fundraise, we ask board members to identify a part of the fundraising process that aligns with their preferences and comfort level. Whether it is identifying potential donors, cultivating donor relationships, directly soliciting gifts, or providing donor stewardship, we have found that all board members are able to play a role in fundraising efforts. In this way, an organization acknowledges that a board member’s time and talent are as equally valuable as their treasure.

Creating change takes intentionality and patience, but the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in our boardrooms is urgent. By taking time to figure out the “why,” building DEI commitments into bylaws, and valuing individuals for all that they bring to board membership, boards can lead the way to greater impact within their organization and community.

Erin Hedges is the founder and president of Hedges, an Indianapolis consulting firm that advances social change by strengthening Central Indiana’s philanthropic sector. Hedges is launching Lead with Purpose, a new training series to equip individuals for effective nonprofit board service. More information about Lead with Purpose can be found here.

Mar 15

Colaborador, escucha, aprende y actúa para promover la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión

By Espanol

Por Karin Sarratt, Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva de OneAmerica

(To read in English, click here) Translated by LUNA Language Services

Así como ningún individuo puede prosperar plenamente de forma aislada, nos hace falta a todos (empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro que trabajamos juntas) fortalecer nuestras comunidades y hacerlas más inclusivas. En mi experiencia como líder empresarial siendo una mujer de color, considero que ninguna organización puede ser realmente exitosa si no está comprometida a promover la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión.

Trabajar en el sector de servicios financieros me ha enseñado la importancia de tener seguridad financiera en todas las etapas de la vida y cómo la misma puede aliviar el estrés en los momentos de incertidumbre. Soy afortunada de trabajar para una empresa que abrió paso al fortalecimiento económico y el acceso a la protección y seguridad financieras como herramientas clave de su estrategia de diversidad, equidad e inclusión (DE&I). Estoy agradecida de que mi trabajo con sede en Indiana Central, con una herencia de más de 140 años, valore sus conexiones con la comunidad y se comprometa a trabajar con organizaciones sin fines de lucro con el objetivo de mejorar vidas.

El 2020 nos enseñó que cuando se trata de hacer que nuestros lugares de trabajo sean más diversos, equitativos e inclusivos, debemos cooperar con los demás para juntos lograr avances concretos.

A continuación, hay tres acciones claves que considero que pueden impulsar las colaboraciones entre empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro que quieran hacer un progreso real y duradero:

ESCUCHAR: conectarse voluntariamente con el propósito de entender lo que estamos viviendo.

Con todo lo que les tocó afrontar a esta nación y región en 2020, tenemos una extraordinaria oportunidad de lograr avances significativos en nuestras organizaciones y comunidades.

En OneAmerica, con nuestro propio capital humano, escuchamos y participamos a nivel local y nacional.

En medio del enfoque renovado de la nación en cuanto a la injusticia racial, el equipo de liderazgo ejecutivo de OneAmerica llevó a cabo sesiones de escucha con pequeños grupos para comprender mejor las experiencias de nuestros asociados. A finales del año, cada uno de los líderes y asociados de OneAmerica tuvo la oportunidad de participar en una o más sesiones de escucha.

Asimismo, nuestro Director Ejecutivo en conjunto con otros líderes empresariales y comunitarios, dedicó horas a obtener aportes de los residentes locales y organizaciones que compartieron sus opiniones e historias acerca de las barreras y desafíos raciales.

Todas estas voces, y las experiencias detrás de cada una de ellas, ayudaron a moldear nuestra estrategia DE&I.

Nuestro próximo paso en las sesiones de escucha, que ya están en progreso, es llevar a cabo una evaluación integral organizacional para entender cuáles son nuestras áreas de oportunidad, así como nuestras fortalezas. Lo que aprendamos orientará nuestros esfuerzos para la DE&I en el 2021 y más adelante.

Mientras tanto, continuamos participando en los esfuerzos locales, nacionales y regionales para aumentar nuestro impacto, especialmente en la forma en que conectamos con nuestra misión principal de ayudar a las personas a obtener bienestar financiero.

En su organización, puede beneficiarse siendo un oyente voluntario. No dude en preguntar opiniones, puede que se sorprenda lo que oiga.

APRENDER: entender cómo puede colaborar de forma más efectiva para lograr metas comunes.

A lo largo de las décadas, nuestras conexiones con las organizaciones comunitarias nos llevaron a alcanzar beneficios y acciones mutuas. Todos continuamos con este importante trabajo y me emocionan las oportunidades adicionales, sea que se compartan datos, se cree más capital humano, o se ayude a crear un programa de bienestar financiero.

En especial, me emocionan los programas One America Pathways que empezamos en el 2018, en cooperación con distintas organizaciones locales comunitarias. El propósito general es mejorar el bienestar económico individual y crear oportunidades de carreras para las personas en nuestras comunidades locales. Nuestros esfuerzos empezaron con nuestro Sustainable Income Program de Pathways, que les permite a los empleados de OneAmerica que trabajan a tiempo completo recibir un ingreso sostenible de al menos $18 por hora, más atención médica y beneficios de jubilación.

En el 2019, lanzamos el Pathways Junior Fellows Program para construir y fortalecer nuestro capital humano local y mejorar nuestro talento diverso. Al trabajar con organizaciones comunitarias, escogemos a muchos estudiantes y recién graduados de escuelas secundarias locales. Durante el verano, participaron en un programa intensivo personalizado que fomenta la conciencia profesional y la visión empresarial. Aprenden a establecer relaciones, experimentar el seguimiento laboral y ofrecerse como voluntarios en las comunidades, así como crear una presentación final.

El programa pasó a ser virtual en 2020. Además, añadimos un componente de cooperación para los estudiantes universitarios actuales y tenemos planes para seguir creciendo. Consideramos que es un modelo que podría funcionar también para otros empleadores, y colocamos el plan de estudios y la documentación del programa a disposición de todo aquel que esté interesado, sin costo alguno. Visite www.oneamerica.com/pathways para tener acceso a los recursos del programa.

ACTUAR: desarrollar planes de acción enfocados en lo que podemos resolver juntos en el presente.

Luego que haya tenido la oportunidad de escuchar y aprender, utilice estos aportes para moldear una respuesta o plan de acción que sea exclusivo para la cultura de su organización. El mismo enfoque no será suficiente.

Nuestra estrategia de DE&I se basa en la colaboración con organizaciones locales, como United Way de Indiana Central y el compromiso de Business Equity for Indy, así como en alineamientos clave a nivel nacional con el American Council of Life Insurers, ACLI (Consejo Americano de Aseguradores de Vida) y el American College of Financial Services, TAC (Colegio Americano de Servicios Financieros).

Trabajamos con ACLI, TAC y otras organizaciones en un enfoque integrado empresarial para avanzar en el bienestar financiero, lograr un lugar de trabajo y una cultura más inclusiva, y desarrollar capital humano y carreras profesionales. Además, trabajamos en conjunto para realizar las siguientes medidas concretas:

  • Ampliación de la capacitación económica, lo que incluye ayudar a crear un trayecto de educación financiera que llegue a las personas desatendidas donde sea que estén y los inspire a actuar, y colaborar con TAC para utilizar su plan de estudios para un impacto significativo en la comunidad.
  • Mayor acceso a una seguridad y protección financiera razonable. Apoyamos al ACLI en la promoción de cambios reglamentarios que eliminen la posible discriminación en la entrega de nuestros productos.
  • Eliminación de los obstáculos innecesarios que impiden a las personas de color tener licencia o trabajar en el sector de seguros. Además, apoyamos los esfuerzos del ACLI para que las licencias sean más inclusivas.

    Es un momento emocionante para promover la diversidad, equidad e inclusión. No puedo esperar para ver los resultados de nuestras colaboraciones a medida que avanzamos de la mano en el 2021.

Karin Sarrat es Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva de OneAmerica, proveedora de planes de servicios de jubilación con sede en Indianápolis, que incluye a las organizaciones exentas de impuesto, así como a las de seguros de vida, productos de cuidado prolongado y beneficios para los empleados. Karin dirige las siguientes áreas de OneAmerica: recursos humanos, comunicaciones y mercadotecnia, asuntos comunitarios y estrategia empresarial.

Mar 08

Partner, listen, learn and act to advance diversity, equity and inclusion

By Sponsor Insight

By Karin Sarratt, executive vice president, OneAmerica

(Para leer en español, haga clic aquí) Translated by LUNA Language Services

Just as no individual can fully thrive in isolation, it takes all of us — businesses and non-profits working together — to strengthen our communities and make them more inclusive. As a Black woman and experienced business leader, I believe no organization can truly succeed unless it’s committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Working in the financial services industry has taught me the importance of financial security at all stages of life, and how it can ease the stress of uncertain times. I’m fortunate to work for a company that has made expanded economic empowerment and access to affordable financial security and protection key parts of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategy. I’m grateful that my Central Indiana-based employer, with a heritage of more than 140 years, treasures its community connections and is committed to working with nonprofit organizations to improve lives.

2020 has shown us that when it comes to making our workplaces and communities more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, we must cooperate with others to make concrete advancements together.

Here are three key actions I believe can propel collaborations between businesses and nonprofit organizations that want to make real, lasting progress:

LISTEN: Intentionally connect for the purpose of understanding what we’re all experiencing.

With all that this region, and the nation, faced in 2020, we have an extraordinary opportunity to make significant advancements in our organizations and communities.

At OneAmerica, we’ve been listening and participating at the local and national levels, and with our own workforce.

In the midst of the nation’s renewed focus on racial injustice, the OneAmerica executive leadership team conducted small-group listening sessions to better understand the experiences of our associates. By year-end, every OneAmerica leader and associate had an opportunity to participate in one or more listening sessions.

Our CEO also spent hours, in partnership with other business and community leaders, gaining inputs from local residents and organizations who shared their thoughts and stories about racial challenges and barriers.

These many voices, and the experiences behind each voice, have helped to shape our DE&I strategy.

Our next step in listening, already underway, is conducting a comprehensive organizational assessment to understand our areas of opportunity as well as our strengths. What we learn will inform our DE&I efforts in 2021 and beyond.

Meanwhile, we continue to participate in local, regional and national efforts to maximize our impact, particularly in ways that connect with our core mission of helping people achieve financial well-being.

At your organization, you may also gain insight from being an intentional listener. Be willing to ask for input — you may be surprised by what you hear.

LEARN: See how to partner more effectively to achieve common goals.

Over the decades, our connections with community organizations have led to many mutually beneficial insights and actions. As all of us continue this important work, I’m excited about additional opportunities — whether it’s sharing data, creating workforce pipelines or helping deliver financial wellness programming.

I’m especially excited about the OneAmerica Pathways programs we began in 2018 in cooperation with several local community organizations. The overall goal is to improve individual economic well-being and create career opportunities for people in our home communities. Our efforts began with our Pathways to a Sustainable Income Program, which enables all full-time OneAmerica employees to earn a sustainable income of at least $18 an hour, plus health care and retirement benefits.

In 2019, we debuted the Pathways Junior Fellows Program to build and strengthen our local workforce and improve our pipeline of diverse talent. Working with community organizations, we choose several high school students and recent high school graduates from local schools. Over the summer, they participate in an intense custom curriculum that builds career awareness and business acumen. They learn to network, to experience job shadowing and community volunteering, and to create a capstone presentation.

The program went virtual in 2020. We also added a co-op component for current college students, and we have plans to continue scaling up. We think it’s a blueprint that might work for other employers, too, and we’ve made the curriculum and program documentation available at no cost to anyone who’s interested. Visit www.oneamerica.com/pathways to access program resources.

ACT: Develop action plans focused on what we can solve together today.

After you’ve had the opportunity to listen and learn, use these insights to shape a response or action plan that’s unique to the culture of your organization. A cookie-cutter approach won’t suffice.

Our DE&I strategy is informed by collaboration with local organizations, such as United Way of Central Indiana, and the Business Equity for Indy pledge as well as key alignments nationally with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) and The American College of Financial Services (TAC).

We’re working with ACLI, TAC and others on an integrated industry approach to advancing financial wellness, achieving a more inclusive workplace and culture, and workforce and career development. In addition, we’re working together on specific steps toward:

  • Expanded economic empowerment, including helping create a financial-education journey that meets underserved people where they are and inspires action, and collaborating with TAC to use its curriculum for significant community impact.
  • Increased access to affordable financial security and protection. We’re supporting the ACLI in promoting regulatory changes that eliminate potential discrimination in the delivery of our products.
  • Removal of unnecessary barriers to the ability of people of color to become licensed by or employed with the insurance industry. We also support ACLI efforts to make licensing more inclusive.

It’s an exciting time to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. I can’t wait to see what our collaborations lead to as we move forward in 2021 together.

Karin Sarratt is an executive vice president with OneAmerica, an Indianapolis-based provider of retirement plan services, including for tax-exempt organizations, as well as life insurance and long-term-care products, and employee benefits. Karin leads the following OneAmerica areas: human resources, marketing and communications, community affairs, and enterprise strategy.

Aug 06

Mays Family Institute advances deep convictions

By Feature, Fundraising

By Lynn Sygiel, editor, Charitable Advisors

In December of 2014, Bill Mays’ obituary lauded his entrepreneurial savvy and financial skills. Not only had the Indianapolis businessman run successful companies, but he had supported over 100 others by sharing his time, talent and treasures. These weren’t his only accomplishments – he and his wife, Rose, were generous philanthropists who donated to community organizations and educational entities.

So it’s not surprising that when his family and friends sought to honor his legacy and his family’s continued commitment to community and philanthropy, they would seed a project designed to endure.

The name was christened by Indiana University President Michael McRobbie in 2015, and after conversations with Lilly Family School of Philanthropy staff, morphed into the Mays Family Institute of Diverse Philanthropy. And while Lilly Family School’s Dean Amir Pasic didn’t know Mays, together with Mays’ family and Mays’ friend, Lacy Johnson, Pasic shaped the concept and came up with a plan.

“His family and close friend decided that one of the most important pieces of his legacy was his philanthropy, and it should be commemorated and remembered. As they talked to us about memorializing something in his name, it became clear how important diversity and inclusion are in the world of philanthropy,” said Pasic.

 

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A Diversity Speakers’ Series will bring nationally prominent speakers to Indianapolis to examine diversity in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations during the 2018-19 academic year. The events are open to the public. Additional speakers information for the spring will be added.

The Mays Institute Speakers Series schedule.

  • Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m., IMA at Newfields, Helene Gayle, CEO, Chicago Community Trust
  • Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m., Indiana Historical Society, Jim Moore, CEO, University of Illinois Foundation
  • Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Spirit and Place Festival, at Shelton Auditorium, Christian Theological Seminary, Race Matters: Faith & Philanthropy in Black Communities. Starsky Wilson, Dr. Brad Braxton and Aimée Laramore
  • Jan. 15, 2019, 5:30 p.m., Central Library, Susan Taylor Batten, CEO, Association of Black Foundation Executives

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Initially, the Mays family and Johnson endowed scholarships for a graduate and undergraduate student. The first Bill Mays Fellowship for a graduate student will be awarded next year and the Lacy Johnson Family Scholarship for an undergraduate will be given out in 2020. Recruiters have already started attending diverse conferences to spread the word, hoping to attract students from underrepresented populations.

Pasic said there are foundations and other association initiatives to boost philanthropy, but saw that the school could have a unique role.

“It quickly became obvious that there was a need and a demand for research and the academic voice to play a role in complementing that effort. There is also the importance of understanding what’s going on more deeply,” said Pasic.

According to Ann Boyd-Stewart, the Lilly School’s assistant dean of development and alumni relations, the team has worked since 2015 to secure operating funds from businesses, leaders in the community and foundations.

After $250,000 was raised for operating expenses, some funds were used to sponsor a diversity summit in 2017. The goal was to listen and learn from scholars and practitioners on what role the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy could play in advancing diversity efforts throughout the philanthropic sector.

The Institute was officially launched last month. Una Osili was named the dean’s fellow and will conduct research studies on various aspects of diversity and philanthropy. The Mays family made it clear that this is an institute focused on historically underrepresented communities and individuals. It will attempt to glean information about donors from these areas – information that is already understood about traditional donors groups.

For Rose Mays, Bill’s widow, the research that the Institute will focus on is exciting because from her perspective as an academic, research findings cannot only shape practice, but have the potential to help those in the field see the power of giving in underrepresented communities. Not only can it help be more sensitive to those characteristics, but help guide practice as well.

“Much of our family’s giving has focused on advocacy, especially advocacy for marginalized groups. The institute’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the philanthropic sector aligns with those values and allows students, faculty and the community to experience an array of insights and perspectives on these issues,” Mays said.

Mays recognizes the value of philanthropic service and with her family, has fostered many educational opportunities. As a retired professor and administrator at IU School of Nursing, she understands how things work in higher education and the value of an institute.

“The Mays Institute Speakers Series and Dr. Osili’s appointment will increase awareness and understanding of robust philanthropy that is an integral part of all diverse communities,” said Mays. “Not only is there value, but there is power. I have seen the Women’s Institute at the School of Philanthropy and how that really helped shine a spotlight on women’s giving.”

The Mays Family Institute joins the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving and Women’s Philanthropy Institute as a Lilly School of Philanthropy program. All three have office space and dedicated employees, and while the Mays Family Institute is the newest, it is expected to grow.

Based on external information gained at the 2017 summit, Pasic said that research is one area where the Lilly School can lead.

“We are a unique voice by the fact that that we don’t represent a particular constituency — we don’t represent foundations, we don’t represent the fundraising profession, we don’t represent the wealthy or the volunteering groups. We are truly independent, so we are a great place to convene and allow people of different perspectives to come and be heard,” said Pasic.

Included in this first-year effort is the Diversity Speakers’ Series that will bring nationally prominent speakers to Indianapolis to examine diversity in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations during the 2018-19 academic year. The events will be open to the public with the first taking place in October.

This academic year, according to Pasic, diversity and inclusion are the major themes with efforts underway to have faculty incorporate more systematically diversity and inclusion into their courses and the school’s curriculum.

“We have one course on race and justice in philanthropy but we also want to make it go across the whole curriculum more broadly. So it’s become one of our priorities to look at for this year and for the future of the school,” said Pasic. “The family’s interest was a wonderful coincidence.”

Boyd-Stewart said a social justice course is a good example. The school offered a graduate and undergraduate course that studied the topic, but faculty suggested there shouldn’t be just one course, but rather the topic should be infused across the curriculum.

“When teaching about writing an RFP, shouldn’t the type of community have an effect on what is written? What if it is responding to a Latino community? It’s made us really step back and think about how we become more welcoming, not just our school, but in our curriculum,” she said.

The initial operating funds have also been used to send students to different conferences, like the Association of Black Foundation Executives.

Moving forward, the focus is to grow the Council of Advisors, the institute’s governing body. Right now, according to Boyd-Stewart, there are nine members with Lacy Johnson chairing the council. The council’s focus is to raise operating support for lectures, student projects and training programs. They also have a five-year goal to create a $5 million endowment to provide funds for a strong support system, which includes hiring an executive director.

For Mays, becoming self-sustaining is important, but learning more about underrepresented populations is critical.

“My hope is that we’ll know more about their giving and be better positioned to meet their needs and hear what their concerns are in pursuing their philanthropic interests,” she said.

“We really want to engage the community, which is very diverse. It may be a challenge, but I think it’s a working challenge,” said Boyd-Stewart. “The conversations that I am having with people about the Mays Institute are very emotional. After all, the definition of philanthropy is love of mankind.”