Podcast Summary: "Empowering Voices: Addressing Systemic Inequities In Fundraising with Birgit Burton" (Episode 232)

Introduction

In Episode 232 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Birgit Smith Burton, a seasoned fundraising professional with nearly four decades of experience. Birgit brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insights into addressing systemic inequities within the nonprofit fundraising sector. Her journey from being the first frontline fundraiser of color at Georgia Institute of Technology to founding the African American Development Officers Network serves as a testament to her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Birgit Burton’s Professional Journey

Birgit Burton recounts her extensive career in fundraising, highlighting her 11 years at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and 26 years at Georgia Institute of Technology. Initially aspiring to a career in theater and broadcast journalism, Birgit transitioned into fundraising, where she found her true calling. In 1998, she became the first frontline fundraiser of color hired by Georgia Tech, a role that underscored the lack of diversity in leadership within the sector.

Founding the African American Development Officers Network

Recognizing the need for a supportive community, Birgit founded the African American Development Officers Network (AADON). Starting with a personal desire for connection, AADON has grown to encompass nearly 4,000 members, providing a vital support system for African American fundraisers. Birgit emphasizes the importance of such networks in breaking echo chambers and facilitating meaningful change within organizations.

Addressing Systemic Inequities in Fundraising

Birgit elaborates on the systemic challenges faced by fundraisers of color. She shares her experiences with organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she often found herself as the sole person of color. This isolation highlighted the pervasive issue of homogeneity in leadership roles, which perpetuates an echo chamber resistant to change.

Birgit Burton [00:38]: "How do we bring about change if we have the same people making those decisions? It's an echo chamber, right?"

She advocates for diversifying leadership to infuse different perspectives and drive systemic change. Birgit recounts her successful efforts in making AFP’s Global Board the most diverse in its 62-year history by encouraging self-nominations and challenging traditional selection processes.

Personal Challenges and Resilience

Birgit opens up about her personal background, including being adopted and growing up in a bi-cultural household. These early life experiences fostered resilience and a deep-seated drive to pave the way for others. She discusses the emotional and psychological toll of confronting systemic inequities, sharing poignant moments such as feeling excluded in professional settings and witnessing unaddressed racism within organizations.

Birgit Burton [06:14]: "I have a need to pave the way for others because some of the biggest mentors in my life paved the way for me."

Despite these challenges, Birgit remains steadfast in her mission, finding motivation in the positive impact she has on others and the broader nonprofit sector.

Creating Inclusive and Intentionally Uncomfortable Conversations

Birgit emphasizes the necessity of creating spaces where difficult conversations about race and inclusion can occur. She discusses strategies for fostering these environments, such as:

1. Encouraging Diverse Perspectives: Actively seeking out and valuing different viewpoints to enrich discussions and decision-making processes.
2. Managing Dominant Personalities: Balancing assertive voices with opportunities for all members to contribute, ensuring that no single personality overshadows others.
3. Seeking Consensus: Striving to find common ground or respectfully agreeing to disagree to maintain a collaborative atmosphere.

Birgit Burton [23:30]: "Let's create spaces where people feel they're included and they belong."

She shares her experience as Global Board Chair of AFP, where she navigated challenging board meetings by facilitating open dialogue and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Sustaining Motivation and Handling Emotional Toll

Birgit discusses the importance of having a trusted support network to manage the emotional demands of advocating for systemic change. She relies on a group of passionate colleagues who provide constructive feedback and alternative perspectives, helping her temper her emotions and make informed decisions.

Birgit Burton [15:46]: "I have to learn how to change the setting on my emails so that when I send them at 2 in the morning, people don't know that I sent them at 2 in the morning."

This support system is crucial in preventing burnout and sustaining her commitment to the cause, allowing her to continue her work with resilience and focus.

Impact of Leadership Diversity

Birgit underscores the tangible benefits of diverse leadership within nonprofit organizations. By bringing in leaders from varied backgrounds, organizations can better understand and address the needs of diverse communities, ultimately enhancing their impact and sustainability.

She highlights a survey conducted by AFP, revealing that over 50% of Black fundraisers left their organizations due to racist behavior but did not report these incidents. This statistic underscores the urgent need for more inclusive and responsive leadership in addressing and mitigating such issues.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Birgit Burton’s journey and insights offer a compelling blueprint for addressing systemic inequities in fundraising. Her advocacy for diverse leadership, supportive networks, and open, intentional conversations serves as a catalyst for meaningful change within the nonprofit sector. Mallory Erickson concludes the conversation by expressing deep gratitude for Birgit’s contributions and encouraging listeners to connect with her to further support and implement these vital changes.

Birgit Burton [28:19]: "Let's make this profession even better. Let's create spaces where people feel they're included and they belong."

Key Takeaways:

• Diversity in Leadership: Essential for breaking echo chambers and fostering systemic change within organizations.
• Support Networks: Vital for offering mentorship, support, and community to underrepresented fundraisers.
• Intentional Conversations: Creating spaces for difficult dialogues to promote understanding and inclusivity.
• Sustaining Resilience: Leveraging support systems to manage emotional and psychological challenges.
• Call to Action: Encouraging active participation in diversifying leadership and fostering inclusive environments.

Notable Quotes:

• Birgit Burton [00:38]: "How do we bring about change if we have the same people making those decisions? It's an echo chamber, right?"
• Birgit Burton [06:14]: "I have a need to pave the way for others because some of the biggest mentors in my life paved the way for me."
• Birgit Burton [15:46]: "I have to learn how to change the setting on my emails so that when I send them at 2 in the morning, people don't know that I sent them at 2 in the morning."
• Birgit Burton [23:30]: "Let's create spaces where people feel they're included and they belong."
• Birgit Burton [28:19]: "Let's make this profession even better. Let's create spaces where people feel they're included and they belong."

Further Resources: Listeners are encouraged to connect with Birgit Burton on LinkedIn for more insights and to access the latest articles in Advancing Philanthropy. Additionally, visiting MalloryErickson.com/Podcast provides access to top tips, tools, and resources from each episode to implement the discussed strategies effectively.

This episode serves as an enlightening discourse on the critical need for diversity and inclusion within the nonprofit fundraising landscape, offering actionable strategies and inspiring resilience to drive lasting change.