Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
English Department
Faculty Mentor
Jayme Walters
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Racism and classism have been substantial social problems across history and are still prevalent today. Human service nonprofit organizations (HSOs) play an important role in helping people who are affected by racism and classism and are often the most marginalized, oppressed, and vulnerable in communities. A recent study encountered rural nonprofits in the South region of the U.S. that indicated racism and downward classism negatively affected their ability to provide services in their communities (Walters, 2020). To our knowledge, no studies have examined the impact of racism and downward classism on human service organizations and their operations. Thus, the current study sought to determine the effects of community racism and downward classism on HSOs as well as identify solutions used by HSOs to deal with these challenges. Using a nonprofit IRS tax database for contact information, HSO workers or volunteers (n = 19) were recruited by email and mail to participate in an online mixed-method survey that asked about organizational characteristics (e.g., locale; revenue), mission, community classism and racism and their impact on the HSO, and any solutions they employed. While data collection is still in progress, a preliminary ANOVA analysis found that perceived community racism significantly impacted nonprofits' ability to raise funds (p = .048), recruit new employees (p = .038), and maintain employees (p = .001). Perceived community classism significantly impacted the ability of nonprofit workers to provide services (p = .016). Using pattern coding, preliminary qualitative analysis found that 53% of organizations saw challenges of service access in their communities due to community racism or downward classism. For example, four organizations stated that people with a minority identity struggled to seek out help due to fear of being unwelcome. Parallel to the quantitative analysis, several nonprofits stated that racism or downward classism impacted their ability to raise money. Further challenges and solutions are discussed. This information will be helpful for HSO leaders, educators, policymakers, and funders to identify and implement solutions so that effective service provision for marginalized clients may occur in HSOs.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-8-2022 12:00 AM
Included in
Examining the Impact of Community Racism and Classism on Human Service Organizations
Logan, UT
Racism and classism have been substantial social problems across history and are still prevalent today. Human service nonprofit organizations (HSOs) play an important role in helping people who are affected by racism and classism and are often the most marginalized, oppressed, and vulnerable in communities. A recent study encountered rural nonprofits in the South region of the U.S. that indicated racism and downward classism negatively affected their ability to provide services in their communities (Walters, 2020). To our knowledge, no studies have examined the impact of racism and downward classism on human service organizations and their operations. Thus, the current study sought to determine the effects of community racism and downward classism on HSOs as well as identify solutions used by HSOs to deal with these challenges. Using a nonprofit IRS tax database for contact information, HSO workers or volunteers (n = 19) were recruited by email and mail to participate in an online mixed-method survey that asked about organizational characteristics (e.g., locale; revenue), mission, community classism and racism and their impact on the HSO, and any solutions they employed. While data collection is still in progress, a preliminary ANOVA analysis found that perceived community racism significantly impacted nonprofits' ability to raise funds (p = .048), recruit new employees (p = .038), and maintain employees (p = .001). Perceived community classism significantly impacted the ability of nonprofit workers to provide services (p = .016). Using pattern coding, preliminary qualitative analysis found that 53% of organizations saw challenges of service access in their communities due to community racism or downward classism. For example, four organizations stated that people with a minority identity struggled to seek out help due to fear of being unwelcome. Parallel to the quantitative analysis, several nonprofits stated that racism or downward classism impacted their ability to raise money. Further challenges and solutions are discussed. This information will be helpful for HSO leaders, educators, policymakers, and funders to identify and implement solutions so that effective service provision for marginalized clients may occur in HSOs.