Liberating human resources: Finding a path to a new HR paradigm
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by Jean Lobell, senior fellow, Community Resource Exchange, Nonprofit Quarterly contributor
Famously, nonprofits depend on people. But the sector has underinvested in human resources (HR), even as talent enhancement has become imperative. The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism have laid bare unhealthy and unsustainable work environments that leave nonprofit teams disengaged and experiencing burnout.1 The world of work is waiting to be reimagined.
When it comes to organizational management, the HR function often gets scant attention. Yet it is a vital function that touches the entire life cycle of staff. It is time, I would argue, to liberate HR. What do I mean by this?
Fundamentally, to me, liberating HR means three things:
- Reframing HR language
- Repositioning HR roles
- Transforming our paradigm about HR
These three major shifts can help dismantle HR’s racist history, as well as mine the strategic opportunity in HR and reshape the multiple roles embedded in the HR function.
Reframing HR language
How can reframing language help liberate HR? Imagine the mental shift that results from aligning the HR language we use with the language of the liberation movement and racial reckoning that have engulfed us. Although this reframing is not new and has already started, we have a long way to go.
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Capturing Giving to Women’s and Girls’ Organizations
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Professor Stephanie Hoffer from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law joins Bryan to talk about a recent study she conducted. The study details how natural disasters and economic recessions have impacted the way state and federal government legislation is used to engage the nonprofit sector in responding to crisis. Listen
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How we adapt to change can lead to positive transformation
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We could all agree that during the many seasons of this pandemic, the only thing that seemed consistent was change. Many organizations were facing dilemmas on business continuity and workforce retention while many of us were dealing with our own personal anxiety and uncertainty. We stood in a state of “standby” as we awaited each federal, state and/or municipal update, considering how each announcement could alter the terms of how we engaged business and how it may impact the livelihoods of our people.
The crisis demanded continual high-level interaction and engagement with our leadership and how we proceeded was crucial. It was during this period that communication was critical in keeping our staff informed, however, it felt every update became obsolete as a new media blast would often change the basis of our plan.
Through this dilemma, we quickly realized that good business and best laid plans can be suddenly upended by the happenings within our world. Our team had to be adaptive and malleable with onlooking colleagues and stakeholders counting on us; we had to be ready to respond.
First, let me say I’m a believer in finding the silver linings. Self-actualization can be surmised up by perceiving life’s challenges and difficult situations as a gift. It is within these parameters that we find out more about ourselves. Do you welcome the possibilities that can be evoked through change?
Challenges once perceived as an adversary can ultimately turn into an unintended friend. Yes, these disruptors are inconvenient to our way of life and have the poorest of timing. However, if you look on the flip side, these are tests of our readiness and our willingness to ponder solutions. Whether it be people related or situational, we have an instance to grow, learn and build our skills.
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Indiana United Ways has hired Michael Budd as chief executive officer. Budd previously was CEO for United Way of Greater Lafayette. — Inside Indiana Business
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Fort Wayne-based Northeast Indiana Innovation Center has promoted Mike Fritsch to president and CEO. Fritsch previously was director of revenue development.
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Community in Schools of Indiana has named Hadley Moore Vlahogeorge as executive director. Vlahogeorge previously was dean of students at Hamilton Southeastern High School.
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Christel House International has hired Charley Jackson as development and database assistant. Jackson previously served as a student engagement specialist at Christel House Indianapolis.
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Indiana Youth Institute has named Whitney Johnson vice president of programming. Johnson previously was director of organizational operations for the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.
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Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has hired Rose Branson as director of annual giving and donor communications. Branson previously was director of development operations for Scecina Memorial High School.
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Indiana University has announced plans to establish the Irsay Family Research Institute on its Bloomington campus. The new research institute, which will be supported with a $3 million gift from the Irsay family, owners of the Indianapolis Colts, will focus on the stigma of mental health. Read more
Early Learning Indiana has received a $1 million matching grant from United Way of Central Indiana’s Capital Projects Fund to establish a new Day Early Learning education center on the city’s south side. The center is expected to serve up to 80 children, starting in June. Read more
The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation has announced the 2021-2022 recipients of a total of $80,000 distributed through its Community Grants. The grant recipients are 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and Playworks Indiana, which received $25,000 each; and Assistance League of Indianapolis, Circle City Clubhouse and Saint Florian Center, Inc., which received $10,000 each. Read more
Conscious Capitalism-Indianapolis currently is accepting applications for its inaugural peer leadership development experience, launching in April 2022. The year-long program, which is limited to 20 organization leaders, provides strategies, training and a peer network for using best business practices as a force for good. Apply
Indy Hunger Network, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, and the Indiana Department of Health have announced the expansion of Community Compass, an app and website that makes it easy for people in need of food assistance to navigate available resources. Read more
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Ready, set, advocate! webinar on Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. This session with the Marion County Commission for Youth (MCCOY) will give those interested in advocating for youth an opportunity to hear from MCCOY’s public policy and advocacy director, Sarah Williams. Cost: Free. Presented by McCoy. Register
Is now the right time for a partnership or merger/acquisition? workshop on Jan. 18, 2022, from 8-9:30 a.m., at Charitable Allies Inc., 9100 Purdue Road, Ste 115, Indianapolis, Ind., 46268. Hear from a panel of experts on why organizations should consider a merger, and explore different kinds of mergers, considerations for employees, legal strategies, tax concerns and more. Presented by VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm, The National Bank of Indianapolis, and Charitable Allies. Cost: Free. Register
Website & email marketing best practices for nonprofits webinar on Jan. 26, 2022, at 1 p.m. This is the first of three webinars in a blog and webinar series called 101 Digital Marketing Best Practices for Nonprofits. Those who register for all three webinars will earn a certificate in Digital Marketing & Fundraising. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Cost: $30. Register
Understanding reasonable accommodations: Inclusive workplace best practices recorded webinar. Learn accommodations for the Deaf and hard of hearing community and best practices for creating an inclusive workplace for Deaf and hard of hearing people. Hosted by LUNA Language Services. Watch
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Interested in helping children this season? Children's Bureau & Families First needs volunteers for Hope for the Holidays Dec. 8- 21. Volunteers are asked to serve during two-hour shifts as a greeter, assistant, sorter, assembler or sorter. Register or email Brittani Haywood with questions.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is looking to partner with nonprofit organizations for guest service support, including gate ticket scanning, parking operations and grandstand ushering, in exchange for a donation. Learn more
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More than 35 million adults participated in #GivingTuesday this year, a 6% increase over 2020. In the United States alone, giving totaled $2.7 billion — a 9% increase compared to 2020. Volunteering on the day increased by 11%.
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The Women’s Philanthropy Institute has released a new report that explores shifts in household giving between May 2020 and May 2021. The findings suggest that the pandemic impacted giving among women and married couples.
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