Where Is The Line?

A special message to nonprofits

There are many techniques and tricks that exist for getting people to comply with things that seemingly go against their values. For example, in psychology, there is a compliance tactic called “Foot-in-the-door” which is about making a small request to gain compliance before asking for a bigger request. We are deep in seeing this play out in real time as our democracy is under threat, and there are daily requests that are asking for our compliance. Some of these requests seem small and maybe not a big deal, but I ask you to ask yourself, “Where is the line?” before complying.

In particular, I am seeing a trend of nonprofits jumping on the train of deleting all evidence of diversity, equity, and inclusion language from their public-facing messaging like websites and social media. I implore you as a team to get clear about “where is the line?” before taking such actions. Although I am a huge supporter of actions over talk and believe way too many nonprofits have been quick to say words without backing them up with actions, I also believe that public-facing messaging is important. It is where our communities, including our most vulnerable community members like our immigrants and trans folks, can look for signs of safety with your organization.

In the spirit of complexity and nuance, it is important to point out that nonprofits have been asked to change their language by funders since grantmaking first began. It is common for funders, both government and private foundations, to ask nonprofits to play the “word switching game.” Sometimes this is to clarify language and sometimes it is about changing words connected to advocacy and the rules that come with various 501(c) nonprofit status. 

Personally, I have been on the receiving end of many requests from funders to play the “word switching game.” And I am always clear about where the line is before complying. If it is about playing the “word switching game” and not about changing the intent of the work, I’m generally okay; however, if a funder asked me to change the work of programs and projects, that crossed the line for my integrity and I did not comply. I have faced that line multiple times and have turned down funding more than once because of it. This is part of doing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion and not just saying you care. It requires more effort behind the scenes, but this is part of “being in integrity” and it’s critical for organizations to be clear where their line is. Without that clarity, it is way too easy to comply and move away from that which you say you are committed to.

There is a difference between a funder (including government agencies) asking a nonprofit to play the “word switching game” and demanding a nonprofit change the intent of its work. What is happening right now is not about changing wording, it is about changing the work that you do. It is about changing who is served by your organization and how you actually do your work. This is not a minor request. The intent behind these requests is to eliminate efforts that support opportunities for all Americans, not just a few. Again, ask yourself “where is the line?” before complying.

Many nonprofits are taking things beyond changing their grant language and are actually changing their public-facing messaging on websites and social media to eliminate any words or phrases that give a hint of caring about diversity, equity, and inclusion. What many are failing to see is that the public and the communities served by nonprofits are the ones seeing these changes. In real time, the public is seeing the unveiling of what nonprofits really value. In addition to the public, nonprofit partners will see these deletions and may reconsider their partnerships. Nonprofits have decisions to make right now about their public messaging: are you going to favor the requests of a funder over your community and partners? And, if you are willing to change your language and the intent of your work, it is reasonable to expect that people will question the real values of your organization. Have you considered this before complying?

I strongly ask all nonprofits to spend time with your teams and the communities you serve to draft a shared answer to “where is the line?” This is especially true for those organizations who have already scrubbed their websites and social media accounts of diversity, equity, and inclusion language. If you are willing to comply with that request, then when will you not comply? What are the boundaries your organization is willing to put up to protect those you serve? Where is that line, so you can be sure it isn't crossed? And how are you communicating where that line is with those you serve?

Nonprofits are facing many challenges at this point in time, so I want to be clear: this post is not about shaming or directing nonprofits to make certain decisions, but rather about accountability. At the end of the day, nonprofits exist to serve their communities. At times, it may make sense to make hard decisions about changing public-facing messaging because receiving funding will better serve their communities. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is an important question every nonprofit can be asking of their teams right now: “Where is the line?” Spending time listening to one another and those you serve can help provide clarity about where that line is and being able to communicate that with your communities.

If you are looking for inspiration on how to stand firmly in your values, I offer you the link to an incredible statement by the Equity in Education Coalition from Washington State. This is what the opposite of complying looks like.

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