The last few weeks have been rough. The shocking death of George Floyd in the U.S., followed by the unexplained death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet have put into sharp focus the ongoing issue of race in North America. Canadians often feel that racism is only an American problem. Generally, members of the public and those of us who work in the sector sector often believe that charities are key to solving serious social problems in Canada. The belief goes that, even if there is racism in Canada, the charity sector is part of the solution, not part of the problem.
A look at the research suggests otherwise. White employees are over-represented in the charity workforce relative to the population overall.The charity sector is mostly white and mostly led by white people. The kindest interpretation of this is employment discrimination.
Source: ONN-Mowat "Shaping the Future of the Nonprofit Sector"
With a disproportionately white workforce, we are part of the problem, not part of the solution. And what makes matters more troubling is that we, the charity sector, are a largely female workforce. I believe many of us assume that because women experience gender discrimination, we are more attuned to the struggles of other groups who experience prejudice. As Robin DiAngelo talks about so clearly in her book White Fragility, that since white women experience discrimination, it is doubly disheartening that we are not reliable allies to women of colour or other marginalized groups.
To be fair, sexism exists. White women working in charities are less likely to hold leadership positions, less likely to be paid the same as their male counterparts. So it is not as if everything is perfect for white women in the charity workforce. However, we should use our experience to be allies instead of impediments.
With an employment gap and a leadership gap, white women who work in the charity sector need to think long and hard about whether we are really helping or just paying lip service. Research suggests we are are making things worse, not better.
Ann Rosenfield is the editor of Hilborn Charity eNews and a charity sector employee.
