Much of the world has undergone changes regarding the LGBT community. One result is that the members of that community have become more assertive, and effective at making their voices heard.
During the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Fundraising Conference, Michael Slaymaker of Easter Seals Florida reminded those in attendance that this assertiveness can be felt by nonprofits from: clients, employees/job applicants, volunteers, donors and the surrounding community.
That means a fundraiser should be ready to be asked the following questions:
* Can we see your nondiscrimination policies?
* Who in your organization is LGBT so we can discuss what it’s like working there?
* Do you have diversity training that addresses LGBT issues within the organization and with the people the organization serves?
* Does the organization provide any specific programs for the LGBT community?
In addition, Slaymaker cited suggestions from the book “Diversity and Nonprofits” by Christopher Bautista:
* Make sure the photographs in advertising and recruiting materials contain the diversity the organization seeks.
* Explicitly state in a campaign that the organization is seeking certain types of people (e.g., “People of color and LGBT individuals are strongly encouraged to [volunteer]”).
* When recruiting, include a nondiscrimination statement and make it as visible as possible, both digitally and in print.
