108 - Sustainability case for increasing diversity: A membership-based organization approach to advancing equity through leadership development research

There have been numerous calls to action asking organizations to commit time and resources to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Though many nonprofits and funders recognize the moral imperative of investing in DEI, many hesitate to invest substantial funds fearing that it may not generate many favorable organizational outcomes or negatively impact their bottom line. Our presentation will share how Community Science and Y-USA, a nonprofit membership organization, conducted a systematic review of the literature and cross-case study of local Ys from different geographic areas to co-create the sustainability case for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We found that, in addition to being the “right thing to do,” investing in DEI can improve financial outcomes; products, services, and programs; a Y’s social responsibility; and personnel and organizational wellbeing. Our study is one step closer to filling a significant gap in the DEI literature, which has lacked comprehensive evidence for how DEI can support an organization’s health, longevity, and success.