…we must shift our outlook on collaborations to be inclusive, equitable, ethical, and respectful for both parties involved.
The geometric principle that all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares, recently struck me as perfectly analogous to collaborations within our industry. While human-centered, values-aligned partnerships undoubtedly represent collaboration, it’s crucial to recognize that not every collaboration embodies these essential qualities.
Whether we’re discussing corporate sponsorships, speaking engagements at industry events, or vendor-partner relationships, it’s imperative that we reshape our perspective on collaborations. They must be inherently inclusive, equitable, ethical, and demonstrate respect for all participating parties.
Drawing from my experience as a nonprofit analytics consultant – where I focus on consulting, training, writing, and speaking about data-centric projects, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a positive and insightful relationship with data – and as a BIPOC woman and first-generation immigrant from India, certain phrases have become catalysts for urging a fundamental rethinking of our partnerships.
Statements like:
- “…reaching out because we want to diversify our speaker lineup, though we are unable to offer an honorarium…”
- “…platinum sponsors are exclusively entitled to those benefits for engaging with our members. However, we can offer you a virtual session slot to showcase your work…”
- “…we will elevate your voice, and in return, we expect…”
- “…our sponsors are looking to bring in a few BIPOC candidates for [this initiative]. We thought of you…”
These examples highlight a fundamental flaw: collaborations driven by such premises are inherently one-sided. They fail to acknowledge the intrinsic value of an individual’s work or the alignment of their values as primary drivers for partnership. Instead, they diminish an individual’s contributions and potential through language that suggests “elevating BIPOC people,” treating collaboration as a favor rather than a mutually beneficial exchange.
So, how can we transform collaborations across the nonprofit sector into genuinely inclusive, equitable Two-way Streets?
Here are 5 key principles to guide the way:
1. Prioritize Values Alignment Over Dollar Value in All Collaborations
Consider sponsorship opportunities as a prime example. In my recent research, I examined the sponsorship approaches of ten different philanthropic organizations. The majority presented a similar structure: tables outlining dollar values for various sponsorship tiers, comparisons of benefits across levels, and lists of current sponsors.
The underlying message was unmistakable – greater financial contribution equates to increased benefits, ranging from influence at annual conferences and galas to amplified visibility before the audience. Conspicuously absent from these materials was a clear articulation of the values expected of every sponsor to qualify as a partner. Furthermore, the benefit tables neglected to include a column detailing sponsor accountability – specifically, how sponsors would be held responsible for upholding shared values and avoiding actions that could harm the community.
It’s essential to establish clarity on values alignment as a prerequisite to sponsorship packages. Alongside this, a set of fundamental accountabilities must be defined and agreed upon by every partner to ensure ethical and responsible collaboration. This two-pronged approach ensures that partnerships are rooted in shared principles, not solely transactional exchanges.
2. Collaboration Should Not Grant Decision-Making Power Over Nonprofit Operations
Let’s take conference sponsors as another example. Granting sponsors decision-making privileges is detrimental as it risks compromising the conference’s independence and integrity. Allowing sponsors to influence organizational decisions can create a perception of undue influence, eroding public trust and undermining support for the nonprofit’s mission.
Decisions regarding speaker selection, the rationale behind those choices, conference themes, and keynote speakers – all these crucial aspects must remain firmly within the nonprofit’s purview. These elements should not be commodified as benefits within high-value sponsorship packages.
It’s vital to consistently remember the overarching purpose of the conference and its long-term impact on the community it serves. Protecting the integrity of these core elements safeguards the nonprofit’s mission and ensures that external influences do not skew its objectives.
3. Center the Well-being of All Participants in Every Collaborative Endeavor
Consider virtual annual events as a case in point. Collaborations in this context must prioritize the well-being of fundraiser hosts and speakers with the same emphasis given to attendees. When the well-being of everyone involved is paramount, it fosters a culture of respect and mutual support, which is critical for successful and sustainable collaborations.
This necessitates establishing clear, well-being-centric success criteria during the planning phase, extending beyond mere financial metrics. These criteria must be transparently communicated to all stakeholders. When individuals feel valued and their well-being is considered, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and genuinely committed to the collaborative effort. This holistic approach fosters a positive and productive environment for all.
4. Establish Clear Expectations – The Why, What, How, When, and Duration – For All Collaborations
Imagine a podcast or social media channel where a nonprofit aims to feature local voices from racially and socially diverse communities. To ensure equity, establishing explicit expectations for all parties is crucial. These expectations should address:
- Why the speaker is invited to participate.
- What the collaboration will specifically entail.
- How the collaboration will unfold, from initial planning to any necessary marketing and promotion.
- When the collaboration will take place, including timelines and deadlines.
- How long the shared responsibilities of the collaboration will extend for both parties.
Clearly defined expectations ensure that all efforts invested in the collaboration are aligned, respectful, and genuinely meaningful for both the nonprofit and the speaker. This proactive approach minimizes misunderstandings that could potentially cause harm, such as tokenism or misrepresentation. Transparency and open communication are foundational to ethical and equitable partnerships.
5. Always Prioritize the Humanity of Collaborators
The secret to building better collaborations is simple — focus on human beings and their values. The purpose of collaborations is community engagement, after all.
We must internalize the understanding that collaborations are not acts of favor bestowed upon one party by another. This necessitates employing humanizing language throughout every stage of the partnership – from initial outreach to post-collaboration activities. Humanizing language places the individual at the forefront, respecting their inherent worth beyond any demographic identifier. For instance, when inviting a new collaborator from a racially diverse community to participate in a project, instead of stating:
“…we are seeking to elevate BIPOC voices in this [conference/magazine/webinar/podcast]…”,
opt for language that reflects genuine appreciation for their individual contributions:
“…we would like to share the space in [conference/magazine/webinar/podcast] with you because of [specific reasons highlighting their work and its relevance to your audience].”
This type of language acknowledges the humanity and unique individuality of each person, rather than reducing them to a label or a characteristic. By consistently using humanizing language, collaborations cultivate a culture of mutual respect, empathy, and genuine inclusion.
Collaborations that inadvertently de-center humanity, even without malicious intent, risk creating an undue emotional burden for specific individuals involved or impacted by the partnership. We must strive to reach a point where no one involved in our industry collaborations experiences self-doubt, questioning whether their participation is valued for their work or merely their social identity.
Human-centered collaborations are the cornerstone of belonging, the essential catalyst for sustainable progress and meaningful community engagement.
Therefore, revisit all potential collaborations within your organization and take a moment to critically evaluate each one. Are they truly inclusive, equitable, ethical, and respectful for all parties involved?
Collaborations are a two-way street. Period.
