This is a big one. Nonprofit organizations definitely need representation within their ranks that mirrors the communities they serve. I remember some of my earliest community service endeavors in Dallas, Texas, swooping into a high-risk community every Saturday as a mentor and trying to build a relationship with a troubled young Hispanic man. It didn’t work. I think he looked at me like some out-of-touch, white guy who probably meant well, but couldn’t even come close to relating.
I think some organizations mean well, but end up being a club of wealthy white people that make each other feel good about what they’re doing without making much of a connection to the people they’re trying to help. Don’t get me wrong; the money they give helps, but by having diverse membership, their impact can be much stronger and more connected.
