March: Diversity

This month, FLiP has decided to wade into a complex subject: diversity. Starting now, and going forward on a regular basis, we want to address the various ways in which diversity impacts our jobs in the philanthropic sector. Diversity of ethnicity, gender, age, and religion all play a role in the choices that funders make, as well as in fundraising strategy.

A recent study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reported that most people choose to donate within their particular ethnic group. While this may not be a big surprise, to some it is a growing interest and concern. To me, the study initially rang alarm bells about what it says about our social progress (or lack thereof): Is there a need for specific ethnic-focused nonprofits in the 21st Century? In a time of increasing diversification across American society, is it right for our philanthropy to remain behind, locked in very specific camps?

This edition of FLiP also brings to the fore concerns about gender diversity. Although the sector counts women among its most influential members, according to research conducted in 2006 at Indiana University by Debra J. Mesch and Patrick J. Rooney, women in fundraising earn 13 to 14 percent less than their male counterparts. Clearly, gender diversity issues are alive and well in philanthropy.

With respect to age diversity, each of us has experienced the fear of entering the professional arena with limited experience, and being forced to overcome age discrimination as we carve out our place at work and in the industry. This issue features an edition of “intern’s notebook” about how to convert your internship into a full-time job.

Religious not-for-profit organizations are not uncommon; however, the way in which different religious groups approach philanthropy and their communities can be varied. We used this issue of FLiP as an opportunity to discuss the differences and similarities between organizations grounded in different faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. 

Of course, diversity is not a clear-cut issue with only two sides. Years of research could not capture all of the dimensions of diversity, much less a series of articles on this site. In personal discussions I’ve had with people from all walks of life, the common fear in discussing diversity is that there doesn’t seem to be an inoffensive yet honest way of discussing the realities and challenges of diversity affecting our industry and our society; oftentimes, people fear that diversity can create divergence. In working on this issue, however, I found that though diversity may at times seem divisive, in the context of philanthropy, the basic principle and desire to “do good” acts as a cohesive bond to all the unique, marvelous segments represented and helped. Going forward, we hope that FLiP can facilitate conversations about diversity, and its impact not only in the broader societal sense, but also about how it impacts us in the work that we do professionally.

Because we want to get it right, we intend for this discussion to go on as long as there are interesting things to say; thus the diversity subject will likely remain an occasional feature on the site for years to come.

As you all know by now, FLiP aims to provide relevant information relating to young professionals in the philanthropic sector. We will continue to act in accordance with this aim to foster communication among, and create a network for, young professionals in the philanthropic sector. But we’re always open to new ideas, so please share yours! Enjoy the issue.

Comments

[diversity careers]

Diversity affects the way that all of us do business, regardless of the industry or profession that we are in. Though some may see it as a lack of social progress, not only do diverse individuals usually give to charities and foundations of their same diversity groups, but they also still prefer to live in neighborhoods composed primarily of individuals from their same diversity group as well.

Juan Rodriguez
Editor, www.diversityjobs.com