Dear Board: A letter about DEI

Dear Board of Directors,

It probably isn’t surprising, and I’m not trying to be judgmental, but the staff is ahead of you in leading on this issue. And they would really like you to partner with them.

The staff is more diverse than you are today, and they see more diversity in the people they serve.

As such, they recognize the need to do more than “check the box” when it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They are closer to the “why” of DEI. They are closer to the damage when ignored. They are closer to the pain. They are closer to the disappointment. They are closer to the frustration.

And, in more rare moments, they are closer to the satisfaction, results, joy, growth, and sense of right that comes from diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Every Board knows that doing better is expected. Most Boards are stuck on how to get there. But you have gotten “there” before on other issues, and the Staff needs to know that you are as committed to get there on this need too.

You won’t get there today. But what step are you taking today (and tomorrow) to ensure that a year from now there will be noticeable improvement? Who are you networking with that expands who you meet? What event have you attended that will move you out of your comfort zone? What professional development have you enrolled in? In what ways have you opened yourself up to the change that will be required of you?

From my vantage point, working with dozens of nonprofits every year: this gap between staff and Board is important to bridge. Let’s all grow together such that our missions are inclusive of everyone.