Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 1 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Nonprofit Boards: How to Lead with Authenticity Session Three: Taking Action Sage Consulting Network Vernetta Walker & Associates 1 FACULTY Robin Stacia, CEO Sage Consulting Network www.sageconsultingnetwork.com Vernetta Walker, CEO Vernetta Walker & Associates www.vernettawalker.com 2 2 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 2 AGENDA: Taking Action § Diversity § Equity 3 § Inclusion 3 Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom 4 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 3 Poll Where do you need/want to improve? (select all that apply) a) Board diversity b) Staff diversity c) Relationship development (individuals and organizations) within the communities you serve d) Engaging stakeholders in strategies and solution development e) Advocating for equity and racial justice f) Consistently applying an equity lens to policies, programs and practices 5 Nonprofits are not exempt when it comes to “exclusion” § Only 38% of executives feel their boards represent the communities they serve § 66% of executives are dissatisfied with their boards’ racial and ethnic diversity § Almost half of chief executives said that they did not have the right board members to “establish trust with the communities they serve.” Leading With Intent, BoardSource Index of Nonprofit Practices (2021) 6 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 4 Myths Diversity is a talent/pipeline problem People of color and whites have few differences in the areas of financial skills, goal setting, articulating a vision, advocacy, and to collaborate. Diversity means sacrificing quality Organizations mistake homogeneity for quality, instead of tapping into diversity of perspectives and lived experience 7 Usual Board Recruitment Process DDIP: Desired Disconnected Individual person FOB: Friends of the Board 8 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 5 Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Make a list of the 5 - 10 people you trust the most. (not including family members) 9 Consider: Name Race Age Ethnicity Religion/ Spirituality Sexual Orientation Physical Ability 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 10 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 6 Hey C.O.M.F. Y Trust Least Diverse Most Diverse Next 10 Like Me Bias 11 LEADERSHIP MATTERS L Lead Inclusively E Elevate Equity A Activate Diversity & Access D Develop Competencies 12 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 7 Advantages of Diversity and Inclusion Prevent blind spots in board deliberations Better decision - making Reflect the community Improve reputation Open new doors Access community resources Connections with potential donors Understand issues, solutions 13 Is the current process based on a strategic intentional process or board customs? Share genuinely about why a selected candidate is being recruited. Describe expectations and responsibilities of board members. Ask the candidate how they would like to engage and what they want to offer. Be honest about DEI – sharing the board’s values and commitment to diversity and why he/she is an ideal candidate. I D E N T I F Y, C U LT I VAT E , R E C R U I T 14 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 8 O P P O R T U N I T I E S § Outreach q Corporate Affinity/Employee Resource Groups q Minority Chambers of Commerce q Minority Professional Societies, Networks and Associations q Local Nonprofits § Committees, Taskforces § LinkedIn § Sororities/Fraternities 15 EQUITY § “ Nothing About Us Without Us ” – Policies must be developed with input from the impacted communities - authentically engage and build from the ideas of the community § When designing policies , factor in historic inequities and unique challenges faced by communities of color. Otherwise, policies might inadvertently worsen inequality. § Ensure access and opportunities for diverse board members, employees , leadership advancement, vendors, and contractors § Create partnerships with organizations led by people of color § Publicly share your equity action plan. § Hold yourself accountable 16 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 9 INCLUSION The Six Signature Traits of Inclusive Leadership: Thriving in a Diverse New World Deloitte University Press 17 Moving to Action Put theory of change into action to achieve a collective vision Drive organization - wide change and culture shift Accountability and measurable actions 18 Copyright © 2021 Sage Consulting Network & Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. 6/23/21 10 Breakout Rooms Just Getting Started 1. What will you prioritize? 2. What groups/communities will you include to inform DEI strategies? 3. How will you measure progress? 4. What do you want to be different one year from now? Going Deeper 1. What have you prioritized? 2. What groups/communities have you included to inform DEI strategies? 3. How are you measuring progress? 4. What do you want to be different one year from now? 19