The Rundown - The Human Costs of Making the World a Better Place - April 28, 2023

The New York Times explores the world of nonprofit unionization

This recent article in The New York Times sheds more light on an emerging trend in the nonprofit sector where workers are increasingly joining unions. The article highlights how nonprofit organizations, historically known for their altruistic missions and underpaid staff, are now facing similar labor issues as for-profit companies, including stagnant wages, long work hours, and limited job security. As a result, nonprofit workers are seeking the protection and representation provided by unions.

This isn’t the first time we have delved into this subject (see another piece we wrote before), but when The New York Times makes a nice article of it, it’s good practice to see what they are seeing and provide some commentary.

The Nonprofit Sector - A Big Employer

The nonprofit sector is a significant employer in the United States, employing over 12.5 million people and accounting for 10% of the country's workforce. Nonprofits operate in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. While nonprofit workers often share a passion for their organization's mission, they also face unique challenges, including limited funding, high turnover rates, and the need to balance financial sustainability with their social goals.

The Times describes how nonprofit workers, traditionally seen as "mission-driven" and therefore less interested in pay and benefits, are now demanding better working conditions, including higher wages, improved benefits, and more job security. Many nonprofit workers are also organizing around issues such as workplace safety and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which are becoming more and more central to the missions of many nonprofits.

Nonprofit workers' interest in unionization is not new, but it has accelerated in recent years. The article cites a 2022 report by the National Employment Law Project, which found that union membership among nonprofit workers increased by 7% between 2016 and 2021. This growth is due in part to the efforts of organizations such as the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), which has been working to organize nonprofit workers since 2013. The NPEU has had significant success in recent years, representing workers at organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union.

The article also notes that the growing interest in nonprofit unionization has met with some resistance from nonprofit management. Many nonprofits, particularly smaller organizations, have expressed concerns that unionization could lead to increased costs and limit their ability to operate efficiently. The article also points out that some nonprofits have hired anti-union consultants to dissuade workers from unionizing, a tactic often used by for-profit companies.

Challenges and Opportunities for Management

While nonprofit unionization presents challenges for management, it is also argued that it could also have significant benefits for nonprofits and their workers. Unionization could help nonprofits attract and retain talent by offering better pay and benefits, which in turn could improve the quality of services provided to communities. Unions could also provide workers with a voice in organizational decision-making, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.

Furthermore, unionization could help nonprofits achieve their social missions by providing a mechanism for workers to advocate for issues such as workplace safety, DEI, and environmental sustainability. These issues are often central to the work of nonprofits, and unionization could help ensure that workers' voices are heard in the pursuit of these goals.

Unionization in the nonprofit sector is an emerging trend, where workers are increasingly seeking the protection and representation provided by unions. While nonprofit unionization presents challenges for management, it could also have significant benefits for nonprofits and their workers. Unionization could help attract and retain talent, provide workers with a voice in decision-making, and help nonprofits achieve their social missions. As the nonprofit sector continues to grow in size and importance, nonprofit unionization is likely to become an increasingly important issue for nonprofits, their workers, and the communities they serve.

The Weekly Notebook

A quick rundown of what I am seeing and hearing in the nonprofit world….

Now Hiring!

I have a nonprofit in Sidney, Ohio that has reached out to me looking for a new Executive Director. I can tell you that this a very strong organization that needs leadership that has strong entrepreneurial and staff management skills. If you have any interest, please drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk!

The Mosaic Conference is Coming!

We are just a month out from the annual Mosaic Conference put on by the Paul G. Duke Foundation and Edison State Community College as part of their Graduate Academy for Community Leadership.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, May 24th and John Carreon, CEO and Partner of Advancement Experts will be keynote speaker.

You can leanr more and register here.

How Can We Work Together?

Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?

Why?

Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.

Ready to Learn Something New?

One of the prettiest cities in the Midwest is Indianapolis and travelling there can open a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!

Online Learning Options from Texas A&M Announced

If travelling for professional development isn’t in the cards (or the budget), the Center for Nonprofits at Texas A&M University has some great offerings! I recently enrolled in one of their certificate programs and really enjoyed the online format and the online discussions that were developed. It was time and money well spent and I would highly recommend this program, especially for early or mid-career professionals. The next session begins in early February and you can learn more here!

Other Ways to Connect

Our coaching practice has openings and it has been a blast working with nonprofit leaders all across the country! If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.

Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!

Check us out on our LinkedIn Page

Check us out on the Celebrating Leadership Facebook Page.

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