(November 23, 2020) #NDOC, a National Day of Conversation, was formed in the aftermath of the #metoo movement and the disclosure by scores of women—and some men—directed against high-profile celebrities such as Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby and Kevin Spacey.
In the wake of sometimes brutal celebrity exposés, Canada wrestled with its own disclosures of sexual misconduct in the philanthropy sector.
In January 2019 Liz LeClair, Current chair Association of Fundraising Professional’s Women’s Impact Initiative talked about being assaulted by a donor under the table while seated next to him at a charity function. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) did a two-part series, Connecting the Dots on Sexual Misconduct in Philanthropy, featuring the stories of several people who had experienced misconduct while on the job.
It was in this environment a loosely knit group of people talked about ways a forum could be provided to discuss the issue of harassment in the charitable and nonproft sector. The first #NDOC was hosted in 2019. Organizers say fundraisers are “in a uniquely vulnerable position when meeting with donors, board members, and other influential members of the community – often alone.”
A 2018 Harris Poll revealed that one in four women in fundraising reported being sexually harassed on the job. In addition:
- 25% of female (and 7% male) fundraising professionals have experienced sexual harassment in their work
- 48% of respondents had either personally experienced, witnessed, and/or heard secondhand about incidents of sexual harassment
- In 65% of the cases reported in the survey, the perpetrator of the harassment was a donor
- In nearly all cases (96%), the perpetrator was a male
- 13% of those who reported feel that their organization places a greater value on the loyalty of donors than the safety of its staff
There are several ways to participate this year:
- A full day of sessions hosted by the team at Fundraising Everywhere, which is pay-what-you-can
- Host a conversation at work; #NDOC has resources available for managers or organizations to share
- Bring Human Resources or leadership information about the issue
- Join the conversation on social media
- Fill in a survey about your experience
This conversation is open to everyone. Whether you are a front-line fundraiser, a manager, or a board member, there is content for you. Please join us to learn more about how you can help create safer sectors.
#NDOC was founded by Liz LeClair and Wanda Deschamps and has a Leadership Circle made up of Paulette Senior, CEO, Canadian Women’s Foundation; Kathleen Adams, UNB Law graduate and community activist; Shelley Uvanile-Hesch, CEO of Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada; Dr. Carrie Bourassa, Scientific Director of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH); Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute, Ryerson University; Sara Forte, founder and partner, Forte Law; Tycely Williams, Chief Development Officer, America’s Promise Alliance; Sandra Hawkin, CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation; The Honourable Joanne Bernard, CEO of Easter Seals Nova Scotia and former Minister Of Community and Social Services; Adrienne Power, Olympian and Director of High Performance, Athletics Nova Scotia.
Sponsors this year include Fundraising Everywhere, The Good Partnership, Agents of Good and Bridgeraise.
Allegations of sexual misconduct, racism and homophobia are rocking the Canadian Museum for Human Rights June 29, 2020
Had it Coming & She Said: With consciousness raised, what’s next? November 22, 2019