Why shouldn’t nonprofits strive toward equality? And if equality isn’t good enough, what is? This week on the Nonprofit Jenni Show, we discuss the difference between equal opportunities and equitable outcomes, why nonprofits should prioritize equity, and some practical steps for getting started.
Why Equality is a Terrible Goal for Your Nonprofit
My first interview guest this week was Jon Royal, who works with numerous programs including Will Power to Youth in California, Metro Arts Commission in Nashville, and several restorative justice programs, to name a few. Jon explains that he doesn’t believe equality is a worthy goal for your nonprofit because the concept of “equality” doesn’t address the fact that we’ve been living for centuries in a system which normalizes the marginalization of various populations.
The Cookie (or Vitamin) Analogy
Jon uses a cookie analogy to describe why equality isn’t enough to remedy systemic issues, but I’m going to change it to a vitamin analogy because I think vitamins are more important than cookies. ;)
Let’s say there are two groups of people. For 1,000 years, every person in Group A has been given seven vitamins per week, but every person in Group B has only been given one vitamin per week. Over time, the people in Group A have become more successful than those in Group B because they have more energy to perform work and learn new skills, which has led to disproportionate income, leadership positions, and ownership of businesses. Those in Group A are also physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier.
If our goal is equality between Group A and Group B, we could easily reach this goal by suddenly giving everyone in Group B seven vitamins per week.
Unfortunately, equality would not solve Group B’s issues. Equality wouldn't erase the 1,000 years of marginalization which has led to Group B living in unsafe, impoverished communities, without access and resources to learn how to improve their lives with healthier living practices and professional development. Equality also would not change Group A’s prejudices against Group B, which formed over time as the separation between the two groups widened and contributed toward an “Us versus Them” mentality.
On the other hand, if our goal is equity for Group B, we would be forced to look at all the interconnected issues which cause disproportionate challenges for Group B. We would have to transform the entire way in which we select leaders, conduct business, and regulate society. Equity is a much more difficult goal to accomplish, but also one which is much more worthwhile to pursue.
How to Shift Your Nonprofit’s Focus to Equity
After reading the cookie/vitamin analogy, you may feel discouraged and uncomfortable. Jon encourages your nonprofit leaders to lean into the discomfort. Ask yourselves:
Which populations aren’t reached by your programs? Why not?
Why don’t you have a strong relationship with marginalized populations?
How does your organization need to redefine success?
How will your internal operations and systems need to transform in order to reach your new definition of success?
How Your Personal Identity Impacts Your View of Equity
Jon and I also discussed the difference between wanting and needing a system change. Every system (government, industry, class, economy, education) impacts all of us, but in different ways. It’s important to recognize the lens through which you view equity.
For example, look at our country’s incarceration metrics. Although black people make up just 12% of the US adult population, they make up one third of the prison population. However, white people make up 64% of the US adult population and make up only 30% of the prison population. It would be unfair for a white person to look at the disproportionate incarceration of black Americans and say that he needs racial justice just as much as a black person does.
As your leadership team enters the discussion of equity, it’s important to reflect upon how your perspective is impacted by your identity. Jon also emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we all have a composite identity made up of several identities (e.g., race, sex, class, religion, etc). Some of your identities are more or less marginalized than others.
A Real Life Example of Work Toward Equitable Outcomes
My second podcast guest this episode was Chandra Williams, the CEO of the Center for Student Achievement Solutions. Chandra’s company partners with states’ Departments of Education and individual school districts to promote educational equity for K-12 students. Chandra and I talked about how equity needs to address the needs of all students--not just one population group. As you listen to our conversation (or read these notes about it), you should notice parallels between inequities in the school system and other areas of human services.
Examples of Underserved Student Populations
When you read the phrase “disadvantaged student groups,” does you immediately think of just one student population in particular, such as students of a certain race? It’s easy to forget that there are many equity gaps in education impacting student groups such as:
Students of minority races
Students with learning disabilities or other special needs
“Gifted and talented” students
Students living in poverty and/or homelessness
English Language Learners (ELLs) or English as a Second Language (ESL) students
Students who come from different cultural backgrounds
How Equity Requires Creative and Critical Thinking
Even though a school’s primary service is education, Chandra explains that achieving equitable outcomes for students will require schools to offer extra supports in other areas which impact student learning. For example, if a school must be closed for a day due to inclement weather, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch may go the entire day without food. When they return to school, they may need an extra breakfast or snack so they can concentrate on learning.
Additionally, prioritizing equity means being intentional about the systems and processes used to provide services. For example, Chandra explains that a school shouldn’t rely solely on one website to communicate with parents and community members. Some community members may not have access to the internet, know how to check the website, or be able to read updates written in English.
How to Prioritize Equity With Limited Time and Resources
Working in the public education system, Chandra is very familiar with the challenges of working with a limited budget and tight schedule! She helps schools identify community partners, such as other governmental organizations and nonprofits, who can work collaboratively to meet all students’ needs and improve learning. She recommends resource mapping to understand the key players in your space and find the most effective ways to use collective resources.
If you work for an educational institution, Chandra also offers a free Equity Toolkit on her website which includes an equity audit.
Keep Up With the Nonprofit Jenni Show
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Nonprofit Jenni Show to have new episodes automatically download to your mobile device, tablet, or computer. We look forward to a continued exploration of equity, as well as other upcoming topics like Peer to Peer Fundraising, Nonprofit Events, and Starting a Nonprofit.
Also, we want to thank Little Green Light for sponsoring this episode! Little Green Light is our favorite donor management system, and they put together this free library of articles for Nonprofit Jenni Show listeners to help you learn about things like using online forms to simplify your work, how to ask for donations, and how to use Little Green Light at your school. Plus, you can get $150 off your first year when you use the discount code “Jenni” to sign up!
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