10 Phrases to Help You Disrupt the Nonprofit Exploitation Machine

The nonprofit sector is notorious for exploiting the passion of its employees. It's ingrained in both leaders and up-and-coming staff to burn out for the cause, to do more with less, to solve organization-wide issues, and to give and care more. Oh, and all for the salary of whatever outdated tool we are arbitrarily using; no, we will not do any additional research. This exploitation isn't just unethical; it's psychologically damaging. The constant pressure to exceed your limits can lead to severe burnout, anxiety, and even depression. As Esther put it to me one time, “they expect fundraisers to beat their best year ever, every year”. 

I want to challenge these normalized but deeply unhealthy work cultures. According to Forbes, “For almost 70% of people, their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or their doctor—and it’s equal to the impact of their partner”. Your health and psychological safety are paramount. 

 Here are a few things you can say to reclaim your dignity, set boundaries, have a life outside of work, and sleep better at night. If you feel uncomfortable setting boundaries, try practicing having these conversations with a loved one before approaching your colleague, boss, or board. I believe in you! 

"No." 
Imagine being asked to put on an accent for a marketing video, or being asked to come in when you are sick. Saying "No" is not just a refusal; it's an act of self-preservation. It is resistance to capitalism norms of exploiting your body to generate revenue. You must prioritize your well-being. You don't need to explain things that are obviously causing you harm. The onus of addressing safety issues, HR or PR issues, and organizational capacity lies with the Executive Director and the board, not you. 

"That's Outside My Job Description." 
Read your job description and know your responsibilities clearly. You've been hired for a purpose, and "other duties as assigned" isn't a way for you to be tasked with five additional jobs. For example, if you're an Executive Assistant, you shouldn't be the one writing the organization’s case for support. A fundraiser should not be stepping in to run programming. A board member should not be hiring or firing front-line staff. These "other duties as assigned" are often separate jobs that require years of experience. Falling for this trap can lead to role confusion, decreased job satisfaction, and increased stress levels. Also, get that money! If there are additional duties, there must be additional pay, period. 

"That Doesn't Align with My Values." 
You may have been asked to do something unethical or that goes against your values. Hide the EDs spending, fib about program participant numbers, craft a PR statement from the org, etc. The easiest path forward is just going with it. However, that's also the easiest way to lose sleep and respect for yourself. The psychological toll of compromising your values can be long-lasting. Be courageous and voice your discomfort when asked to engage in actions that misalign with your values.   

"I Am Unavailable After Hours, During Vacations, Holidays, and Weekends." 
You work to live not live to work. The "I'm away but you can text if you need anything" culture needs to die. This constant availability not only disrupts your work-life balance but also strains your mental health and relationships with loved ones. Stop letting people guilt you into working holidays, weekends, or after hours. Your loved ones deserve your presence, and you deserve a life beyond work. 

"I Am Not Able to Meet That Deadline." 
Many times, we get handed significant and time-consuming tasks with very little notice, like being handed a 20-page grant application on a Friday when it’s due Monday. Rejecting unrealistic deadlines showcases your self-awareness and protects you from the stress and anxiety of overcommitment. Whether it's grant applications or impromptu reports or presentations, let your capacity guide your commitments.   

"I Won't Let You Treat Me Like That." 
Late-night phone calls, yelling, gaslighting, and passive-aggressiveness are not acceptable. Such toxic behavior can lead to severe psychological distress and should not be acceptable anywhere. In this scenario, if you feel unsafe approaching the person alone, bring a third party or put it in writing. Establish the ground rules for respectful interactions, get leadership support, or leave the organization. 

"I Am Unwilling to Take a 'Promotion' Without a Corresponding Pay Increase." 
The classic millennial promotion— 50 new "other tasks as assigned" and a fancier title but no pay increase. This not only exploits your labor but also diminishes your sense of worth. Don’t fall to the pressures of a title promotion with no increased benefits and such Make sure to have clear communication with people from Human Resources and your manager to ensure proper organization and planning for a promotion or an expansion of your role. Remember, an empowered you strengthens the nonprofit landscape.  

"My Needs for Success Here Are X, Y, Z." 
This could be about how you're communicated with, managing priorities, or accessibility needs. Clearly articulating these needs can lead to more fulfilling work experiences and better mental health. This will ultimately help you and your team play to everyone’s strengths and be a more efficient and practical team.   

"I Will Not Clean Up Messes Caused by the Board or Leadership." 
Fraud, bullying, non-existent program evaluation, sexual harassment; fundraisers have seen it all. Ignoring these issues perpetuates them and may also take a toll on your mental well-being. However, you cannot expect to single-handedly save a sinking ship. Therefore, stand firm against misconduct, advocate against bullying, and demand thorough program evaluations. 

"I Am Not Comfortable with X, Y, Z." 
Being asked to donate to the cause or use your personal connections. Such requests can put you in uncomfortable ethical dilemmas and add unnecessary stress. Make sure you know your limits and explicitly express them to leadership through clearly outlined boundaries. Your boundaries are not left at the door when you get to work. Reclaim them!