Nonprofit Workplace Allyship Toolkit
The following resources is a non-exhaustive, ever-evolving compilation of books, articles, videos and more gathered from various sources, including collaboration with colleagues and thought leaders across the philanthropic sector.
The Case for Allyship in the Nonprofit Workplace
Regardless of where you are on your allyship journey, these resources are valuable from the first to the fifteenth time you refer to them.
- The Origin of Race in the USA by PBS
(Length 10:16) Video overview describing the history of race in our country. - The Under Our Skin project by The Seattle Times
Video series discussing racial equity from the perspectives of various identities. - Racial Equity Tools Glossary
List of terms to know when discussing racial equity. - Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nonprofits by the Council for Nonprofits
Resources catered to helping nonprofit teams embed DEI in their work. - Talking About Race: Being Antiracist by the National African American Museum of History & Culture
Curriculum resources for learning about race in America.
Sustaining a Culture of Allyship in the Nonprofit Workplace
Engaging in allyship work is inherently uncomfortable and unfamiliar for many. Whether you seek ways to expand your evolving awareness of equity issues or have hit a road bump or conflict that you need insights on, these resources will support your allyship goals.
- Verna Myers: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them
(Length: 17:54) A video about how to embrace and work through bias - What is intersectionality? by Newcastle University
(Length 2:50) A brief video explanation of intersectionality when speaking about identity - Antoinette Lattouf: Reverse Discrimination? It Doesn’t Exist…but ‘Tokenism’ Does
(Length 17:50) A video identifying tokenism and its harmful effects. - Ending Checkbox Diversity Podcast episode by the Dannie Lynn Foundation
(Length 39:31) A podcast discussion about how to create a meaningful culture of equity. - The Small Nonprofit Podcast: Dismantling Tokenism with Trish Mandewo
(Length 38:48) A podcast discussion about how to prevent tokenism. - Intersectionality in the Workplace: What HR Needs to Know by Academy to Innovate HR
- DEI Beyond HR: How to Weave Inclusion into Operations by Reworked
- The Hidden Cost of DEI Work and What to Do About It by the Nonprofit Quarterly
Navigating Dissents Around Equity in the Nonprofit Workplace
Conflict is inevitable in any team dynamic. And when issues are linked to workplace inequities, it can become even more daunting to unpack as an organization. These resources offer considerations to assist you as you engage in dismantling inequities by embracing the discomfort of conflict and engage in difficult, but necessary conversations.
- Learn How to Apologize
- Afraid to Talk About Sensitive Topics at Work? Read this Guide First
- You’ve Been Called Out for a Microaggression. What Do You Do?
- How to Response with Compassion when Someone is Hurt by Racism
- What If I Say the Wrong Thing? 10 Tips for Culturally Effective People
Breaking Down Allyship Roles
Everyone in your organization plays a role in cultivating a culture of allyship and equity. These resources identify the various themes and strategies for allyship that are unique to the positions of employers, employees and your board.
For employers
- Find Your Path to a More Inclusive Workplace Culture
- The Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards
- Our Authentic Selves and Doing Diversity Right
- 19 Questions for Leaders Who Are Serious About Racial Equity
- What Has — and Hasn’t — Changed Since “Dear White Boss…”
For employees
- 4 Things Companies Can do to Make Real Progress on DEI
- How to Start an Affinity Group at Work, According to Real People Who Did It
- How to Hold Your Company Accountable to its Promise of Racial Justice
- How Coworkers Can Help
Getting your board “on board”
Want to learn more about how to weave equity into your organization?
Learn more about our equity-centered approach on Strategic Planning.