Session Description: This session will promote you to think critically about an organizational framework that empowers employees to set community norms and lead critical conversations, including with those who don't support a strong DEI vision, with confidence.
As a gift officer, do you feel confident and equipped to have critical conversations with donors who have expressed their disapproval of DEI work? As an organizational leader, do you feel empowered to set community norms for donors who use language/ideology that is racist, sexist, homophobic, etc.?
The racial reckoning of 2020 prompted many organizations to commit themselves to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, there is some trepidation around how to communicate with donors who disapprove of DEI work and how to set boundaries for donors who use problematic language. Our organizations need to create frameworks that empower our employees to set community norms and be confident in having critical conversations that foster trust, engagement, and learning with donors who don’t support our DEI visions. This session will promote you to think critically about your organization’s framework and how to maximize it. There will also be a case study to elicit reflection on how to handle critical conversations with donors. Please come prepared to reflect, engage, and learn!