In episode 133 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and guest Paula Brantner, workplace fairness consultant and founder of Accountability Ignited, unpack the real challenges nonprofits face in preventing harassment, bullying, and misconduct.

They talk about:

• The often-overlooked gaps in nonprofit systems—particularly around reporting mechanisms—and

• The false sense of security many mission-driven organizations have about their immunity to these issues.

• How to take a proactive, values-based approach rooted in trauma-informed practices,

• Why codes of conduct need to include all constituents, including for example sponsors and vendors to be effective

For nonprofit and association leaders seeking to build safer and braver organizational cultures, this episode is full of actionable insight.

Episode highlights:

Inadequate Legal System - [00:08:23] Reporting Systems as Ground Zero - [00:9:45] Small Organizations Are Especially Vulnerable - [00:11:00] Aligning Codes of Conduct with Values - [00:13:19] Moving Beyond Punitive Approaches - [00:15:48] Codes Should Live Beyond the Employee Handbook - [00:17:01] Who's in the Ecosystem? Everyone. - [00:18:00] Special Risk Zones: Conferences and Galas - [00:21:00] Building Visible, Trained Allies Programs - [00:24:35] Multiple Reporting Channels Are Key - [00:27:00] Trauma-Informed Listening - [00:38:18] Power Dynamics and Systemic Barriers - [00:37:00] Organizational Excellence: 3 Leading Practices - [00:42:00] Proactive Culture-Building as a Strategic Imperative: It can happen anywhere - [00:46:10]

Guest Bio:

Paula Brantner of Accountability Ignited builds harassment and toxic workplace prevention systems that reflect your values and transform your culture. She works with academic societies, professional organizations, nonprofits, and political organizations on training, reporting systems and policy development to encourage reporting, ensure accountability, and build a harassment-free environment. Prior to founding Accountability Ignited in 2016, Paula spent 18 years (including eight as executive director) with Workplace Fairness, a legal nonprofit that educates workers about their legal rights in the workplace. An employment lawyer for over 30 years, Paula has degrees from UC Law-San Francisco and Michigan State University’s James Madison College. She has a credential from the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI-CH), and incorporates training in trauma-informed and anti-racism principles and practices into her work.

Important Links and Resources:

Paula Brantner

Accountability Ignited

Building Inclusive Scientific Communities and Leadership Case Studies from Professional Societies

Be in Touch:

✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact

👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend

🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.

😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn