Why Equity?
Here at Marquam, equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our approach every day. We boast a diverse team with life experiences reflecting the varied communities we serve. We regularly talk about and demonstrate how to do better, be better and make a positive change in our world and communities. We consistently strive to be a more inclusive and equitable organization.
Because we work with so many kick-ass organizations changing the world, they too have equity, inclusion, and diversity front of mind. Our fundraising partners often ask, “How do we make our events more inclusive? How do we bring an equity lens to our fundraisers? And how do we bring to our events the diversity that reflects the communities we work in and serve?” Indeed.
These are all important conversations. And ones that we want to have with you. We’re not entirely sure what the right answers are – especially as they relate to major donor fundraising events like galas and auctions – but here’s what our team (comprised of women, POC, LGBTQ folks, and those from underrepresented populations) have come up with as a jumping-off point. It’s important to note that due to the diversity on our team, many of us think and feel differently about this topic, so feel free to engage any of us for a more in-depth discussion on ways you too can be more inclusive, diverse, and equitable in your fundraising and event practices. We’re here to help!
Where You Give
We’ve all heard it takes money to make money and events are no exception. Vendors must be paid. Events often employ catering, sound, video support staff, a videographer and/or photographer, auctioneer, event planner, venue… Imagine all of the opportunities you have to be inclusive. Integrate equity into this process by asking yourself: Are you giving opportunity to vendors who are minority-owned businesses? If not, consider utilizing vendors who are women, POC and LGBTQ owned. If you’re having a tough time finding minority-owned vendors, reach out to us – we can offer many referrals. Consider hiring vendors who have shared values on hiring employees from diverse backgrounds. Do your vendors provide their employees a living wage? Health care? How you spend your money makes a huge impact in our communities and communicates precisely what you believe in, so be mindful of where and how you’re investing.
Representation Matters
Who you put on stage matters. A lot. Do the people on your stage actually reflect the communities, populations, and values of those you serve? Are your emcee, auctioneer, honorary guests, awardees, and other speakers reflecting the principles of equity and inclusion you wish to promote? We sure hope so. Your guests will walk away knowing a lot about you and your organization based solely on this.
How You Share Stories
We know how important stories are to communicating your mission and impact – especially at events. However, sometimes the way we tell stories can unintentionally hurt the communities we are actively working to help. Ask yourself, when considering a lens of equity, are the clients featured in the storytelling involved in the creative process of how their story is told? Are they supported before, during, and after sharing their story? Are they given a full understanding of the ways in which their story will be shared and for how long? Are they prepared for the ways in which that could impact their life long after the event? Are stories being told from the perspective of the organization, or from the voices of those being served? Are stories highlighting the strengths, resilience and power of the community? If not, you may have some work to do. It can be done, but it takes a fresh and inclusive perspective. We can help.
To Theme or Not to Theme?
Event themes can be loads of fun but be mindful to select themes that are not culturally insensitive. And always, ALWAYS avoid cultural appropriation. If you do implement a theme, is it mission-related in some way? Does it uplift and support the communities you serve? Is it general enough and not specific to a culture in which there is not representation from within your community? For example, a predominantly white organization hosting a Cinco De Mayo event can be perceived very differently than an organization led by and serving a Latinx community offering the same theme. Just stop for a moment and consider these things from a new perspective. Sometimes that’s all you need to do.
When is Your Event?
It’s hard to choose a date. And there is often fierce competition for venues, auctioneers, event planners – all of your favorite vendors – for the hottest fundraising dates. Scheduling without double-checking important dates and everyone’s calendars can be a disaster. Make certain all major donors can join. Be sure the date you choose is inclusive and does not clash with major faith holidays or traditions of your community of supporters. Also, make sure it’s not on a date that a similar org is hosting their major event.
Honoring All Donors + Their Gifts
It’s important to thank all donors: major, minor, and everyone in between. It’s also important to properly show everyone who gives their time, talent, and resources adequate appreciation. Are there meaningful opportunities to give – for all income levels – at the event? Can anyone who wants to give, give? Are all levels of giving joyously celebrated and shown adequate attention? For those who don’t want or require the spotlight, can they give anonymously? Are all donors thanked post-event and shown appreciation for attending, regardless of their gift amounts? Do your stewardship activities show volunteers and donors the same level of love? They should.
Language – what are you saying and how are you saying it?
Would it be helpful to consider adding a sign language interpreter at your event? How about offering printed materials and/or speakers in other predominant languages? Is inclusive language honoring genders beyond the binary being implemented? Are you using humanizing language originating from the communities you serve?
Accessibility
When selecting event spaces, consider if your community can access the space. Are people in wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility devices easily accommodated? Is it located in a part of town accessible by public transportation? Is a lack of onsite parking or a long, arduous walk going to be prohibitive to guests?
Food + Beverages
Do you have beverage options for those in recovery, other than just soda? Do you have food options for those with dietary restrictions, people from different cultural backgrounds or faith traditions? What are your methods of finding this out before the event so your donors know you are really thinking of them and considering their needs and desires?
Vary Event Formats
Not every event is for everyone. Consider your major demographics and then craft specific events that cater to them. Consider things like ticket price, the formality of the event, attire level, where the event is held, the format (dinner, cocktail party, friendraiser, walk/run, volunteer recruitment party, etc.), who is the target audience, what is the goal of the event, program content, visuals, videos, messaging, etc. Knowing the difference between your varied supporters and what inspires each of them goes a long way toward long-term fundraising success.
Childcare
Do you serve a large population of parents? Is it possible to offer onsite (or nearby) childcare for guests? One org we recently worked with offered this for guests and saw record-breaking results because more of their donors were able to attend!
The Tip of the Iceberg
This is just the beginning of our team’s collective brainstorm considering the many ways to include more equity, diversity, and inclusion in fundraising events. There are so many things to consider and they’re all unique to who you are, what you do, and most importantly, who you serve.
Reach out if you want to explore these topics further. How can we help? As the only auction agency in the nation comprised of minorities with a minority focus, this is a very important topic to us. We would love your feedback and the opportunity to have this conversation. Now, let’s go change the world – together!
