Safe and Supported: Combatting sexual harassment toward fundraisers

Sexual harassment within the nonprofit sector, often perpetrated by donors, is an uncomfortable yet very real experience for fundraisers. But researchers and fundraising leaders are bringing light to this darkness – and they’ve joined us for this important episode. This disquieting truth is supported by data. An article written by episode guest Dr. Erynn Beaton and her co-author Megan LePere-Schloop states that about 76% of fundraisers have experienced some type of work-based sexual harassment in their careers. People of color and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience harassment and in more severe forms, including sexual coercion. Power, privilege, and organizational and relationship management are entwined in this intractable problem. Tackling it requires not only the full commitment of nonprofit organizations but the bravery and fortitude of those leaders within them. Episode guests Karen Isble and Chelsey Megli exhibit that bravery and fortitude in spades. They join Make Mission to share the work and results of the Collaborative for Respectful Workplaces (a consortium of higher education institutions) to not only build dialogue around the issue, but also develop best practice recommendations and push the industry to address the inherent power dynamics in fundraising and to prevent and respond appropriately to misconduct and harassment incidents.