Recent movements have energized the drive towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across our society. Nonprofits have played a major role in these movements, but, as a sector, they have failed to lead by example. A 2017 survey of nearly 1,800 foundations and charities found that 90 percent of CEOs and board chairs and 84 percent of board members were white, figures which are largely the same as those from 20 years ago.
This presentation will focus on why nonprofits and their boards should include the promotion of DEI as a core organizational value, whether promoting DEI is a fiduciary responsibility, how to (and not to) build diversity on the board, and what steps a board can take in promoting DEI in their organizations and in furtherance of their organization’s mission and values.
