Editor’s note: the following is an email I sent to my email subscribers. Because it includes a number of helpful resources for nonprofit communicators, I’m sharing it here as well.
Dear reader,
A few years ago, I shared a blog post by Ben Losman on the Nonprofit MarCommunity blog entitled, Power in words: doing nonprofit marketing communications from a place of anti-oppression. In response, I received this message from an Executive Director of a nonprofit organization:
“Take me off any list you have. SMH ‘anti-oppression’. Stop melting snowflakes.”
While I was taken aback at first, I knew that this note was a reflection of the work we still have to do as a sector (and I kept the note, as a reminder). But, I’m not here for people who are actively “against” anti-oppression, Black Lives Matter, Truth and Reconciliation, Pride or any other topic related to the pursuit of inclusion, equity or justice for all. I’m here to support people who care about each other.
Which brings me to the reason for today’s note. In the last month or so, I’ve been quiet. I’ve been listening and leaving space for Black voices – and for others who have been offering the kind of value I couldn’t. Today, I’d like to share a few articles and resources for nonprofit communicators that I came across during that time.
- Talking About Racial Equity: A Conversation with Antionette Kerr published on the Turn Two Communications blog
- 6 inclusive stock photography sites every nonprofit should have bookmarked once again by Antionette Kerr, this time on the Nonprofit Marketing Guide
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Nonprofit Sector – Essential Resources for Nonprofit Professionals: a library of resources curated on the Bloomerang website, featuring a reading list, sample policies and templates, webinars, podcasts and more
- The Conscious Style Guide: an inclusive language guide (first brought to my attention years ago by Lauren Girardin, and listed in the Bloomerang roundup)
This brief list includes practical resources as well as prompts for deep thinking and reflection.
On a more personal note, I’ve struggled with wanting to do something and not knowing the right way to stand up for Black lives. Then, a helpful option appeared in my Twitter feed: Canada Helps’ new Black Solidarity Fund. I’ve already learned so much just by reading about the various organizations this fund supports.
If you’re also struggling with how to help, I encourage you to learn more about this fund and donate if you’re able to. And, until July 31, we can boost our impact through a corporate matching program up to $1 million.
I’ll be back with my usual nonprofit content creation tips soon. Take good care of yourself.
Marlene
P.S. If you’re in a position to hire others, please include compensation information in your job postings. If your organization is currently putting out statements about equity and inclusion, it’s a bare-minimum way to practice your values.
