The News and Observer reports that the United Way of Chatham County has abruptly cut their funding to El Vinculo Hispano (The Hispanic Liaison). The United Way says that their move is because the organization has an overly high percentage of their budget dedicated to administrative costs. However, there seems to be ample evidence that the move is also motivated by a backlash to EVH's successful organization of immigrants rights rallies and advocacy in Siler City and Chatham County.
The N&O obtained an email from the United Way to a Chatham County resident that read in part "Members of our board and many of our donors are concerned about the recent political activism engaged in by the Hispanic Liaison . . . There were also concerns raised that encouraging illegal activities, such as keeping children away from school, should not be supported with United Way funds. Undoubtedly, these concerns weighed on the decision to deny funding the agency." Note: EVH did not use United Way funds for the immigration rallies they organized, nor did they recommend that students miss school. One supporter pointed out in a letter to the United Way that even for those parents who did take their children out of school, "This would not be the first time that Chatham County parents took their children out of class for one day so that the entire family could participate in an important civic exercise, something that teachers might argue is a teachable moment."
Since many Latinos who live in Chatham work in Orange (and vice versa), this should be of interest to our community as well. If EVH loses their United Way funding, they also risk losing another major grant from the Governor's Crime Council which required the UW funding for a cash match.
You can support El Vinculo Hispano by contacting the Chatham United Way or by pledging to support the organization directly.
Issues:
Comments
I coordinated the United Way fundraiser at the Bankruptcy court I worked at in Greensboro. I could have sworn that they told us that there was a definite maximum to overhead costs of the member organizations. Perhpaps the local United Ways are different, because I couldn't find that anywhere on the Chatham or national websites.
Although it's unfortunate that this organization is losing its United Ways dollars--I'm not quite seeing why there is such concern for UWCC to reverse its decision.
What I liked about UW was that it did screen organizations. I think it's a marvelous improvement from solicitations in front of stores, on street medians, knocks on my door or phone calls at home. Aside from knowing that UW organizations are legitimate, I also know that they have an audit system that assures me that the vast majority of the dollars are going to help those in need--not to salaries.
I like Graig's second suggestion that those concerned should pledge directly to El Vinculo. This would lower their overhead to the previous and normal percentage, while maintaining the integrity of UW's standards.
A few years ago, the United Way - at the behest of it's heavy-hitter CP&L - cut NCWARN out of it's donor list. The United Way is yet another example of how the status-quo corporate economy keeps the herd in line. It's a tough situation when organizations have become dependent on the UW money, but ultimately a progressive economy must reject this type of feudalism charity.
Contacting the Triangle United Way and asking about the official organization position on political advocacy is probably a good starting point. I am sorry the N&O didn't include that as part of their report. If someone gets that background, I hope you will report back. The United Way provides excellent service to a full spectrum of social service agencies. I would not like to see a backlash against them.
The percentage of overhead is an important issue and was the cause for El Centro in Carrboro losing some of their Human Services funding from the towns and county last year. The proactive solution was to provide funding for strategic planning that would then make them eligible for full funding in the next budget cycle.
Having worked for a United Way-supported nonprofit, I know it has it's financial advantages, but it also comes with a mountain of paperwork and severe limitations on critical work like advocating for policies that help clients and community organizing that can break the cycle of problems they face.
The Chatham situation is a perfect illustration of this paradox.
They're a great organization, but the United Ways only support a narrow range of nonprofits. I recommend looking for other ways to support community-based organizations that are more in line with donors own values.
There are many workplace giving programs out there. United Way is one, but it is also worth noting North Carolina Community Shares (social justice organizations):
http://www.ncshares.org/Member.htm
and EarthShare of North Carolina (environmental protection groups):
http://www.earthsharenc.org/
And I think there is one that advocates for organized labor related charities, but I cannot remember the name just now. State employees can give to (almost?) any of these groups through the North Carolina Combined Campaign.
Graig,
When I saw that article in the N&O just now, I wondered if a letter to United Way of Orange County, to which I contribute, would help. I plan to say that I can't renew my support next year unless El Vinculo is funded.
Do you think that would help?
Thanks,
ge