Technology

Nonprofit Donors and Privacy, The Dirty Secret

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In 1999, the CEO of Sun Microsystems said, “You have zero privacy…Get over it.” In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg declared that privacy was dead. I think Zuckerberg must feel a certain irony about what he has experienced this year regarding privacy and the transfer of user information from Facebook to Cambridge Analytica. I think it’s fair to say that this year, privacy has been a hot topic.

I’m not sure where things will ultimately end, and it’s very likely that privacy as we knew it has indeed ended. In fact, I think that may already be the case, but there is a clear tension between privacy and sharing. We continue to willingly share our information on social media platforms and browsers, like Google, continue to track us all over the Internet.

And, despite the General Data Protection Regulation, which has been enacted in Europe but also affects US companies and non-profits, you’ve probably already noticed that corporate lawyers have already figured out how to get around it. For the most part, you agree to tracking, or whatever else they have explained in their Terms of Service, or you will not be able to use the platforms that will provide you with the news, allow you to shop, or be entertained. That went well.

donor privacy

The dirty little secret in the nonprofit sector is that many nonprofits have donor information, including volunteers and supporters, but have not taken the necessary steps to ensure that information is not stolen. They also don’t take the time to tell people how their data is being used, which is something everyone with a website should do. Nonprofits have information like names, addresses, emails, dates of birth, credit cards, social security numbers (especially those organizations that have volunteers who go through background checks), phone numbers, etc. It doesn’t take a genius to see how this information can be used in inappropriate ways.

In fact, a colleague of mine who worked in the nonprofit sector as a fundraising consultant told me not long ago that when she brought up the topic of privacy, many nonprofit leaders told her they didn’t know that the privacy of donors is a priority for donors They have expressed support for transparent public privacy policies, but had no idea that they should have donor terms of service or privacy policies that are easily accessible on their websites, e.g. example, to explain what they do with the data. I honestly don’t know how that can be a credible thought in today’s world.

Data and nonprofits

Most donors should know or understand that when they provide their information to a nonprofit organization, there is a chance that their name and information may be sold. Some nonprofits do this as a matter of revenue because they make money off the names and data they sell to brokers. If you work for one of the many organizations that sell donor data to intermediaries, such as an Ethics and Integrity Point, you should clearly state that information to donors in your donor policy information.

Also, in recent years, criminals have become aware of the fact that non-profit organizations can be a wealth of information and it can be reasonably easy for them to open the “safe”. And, to make things even more concerning for nonprofit donors, there have been cases where donor information has been criminally compromised and it has been decided not to make the information public for fear that the donations ran out.

Data Protection

Nonprofits hold a unique position in our society and often come with tax-exempt status, primarily because of the work they do to improve the lives of people in a community. Because of this, nonprofits must provide some minimum reporting standards to ensure they are operating with integrity and ethics when accepting information from donors and volunteers.

  • They can remind people who enter their identifying information on their websites to remember to delete web “cookies,” which are files stored on a person’s computer that are linked to the site visited. Deleting this information will remove any remaining names, addresses, credit card information, etc. from the web
  • Nonprofits must create and post a “Donor Privacy Policy” that tells donors how donor and supporter information will be used. Charity Navigator provides a simple example.
  • Post “Terms of Service”. Take a look at examples of leading nonprofits. You can also see an example from the National Council of Nonprofit Organizations or TopNonprofits.

The reality is that every nonprofit, regardless of size, should have a donor privacy policy and terms of service that can be quickly reviewed on their website. If your organization doesn’t have the basics done, there’s no reason you should expect people to support your group. There are likely many charities that demonstrate transparency and should be rewarded with fundraising dollars.

Business

Sexual harassment: a symptom of the power game

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Ever since women entered the workforce in large numbers, the problem of sexual harassment has gained a momentum of its own. Although women may be highly educated, have the required qualifications and work side by side with men, nearly 60% are subjected to unwanted sexually determined behavior by the opposite sex. Even female doctors are not exempt, and many are harassed by senior male doctors, consultants, interns and patients. In educational institutions, about 55% of students complain of bullying by teachers or fellow students. One cannot walk the streets or ride public transportation without being harassed by thugs or pranksters. Sexual harassment cuts across all socioeconomic barriers.

Gender discrimination and role stereotypes are the reason for such behavior. Some men feel that women who leave their homes to work violate the biological roles of wife, mother, and homemaker.

Women have also come up with extreme ideas of playing “superwoman.” Some aspects of feminism make men distinctly uncomfortable and paranoid. They try to get revenge through sexual harassment. After all, they too are victims of stereotypes. Most men think that “good women” are not sexually harassed. But “bad women” cause problems by their behavior and dress.

In the context of this rapidly changing socio-economic scenario, more women are likely to seek employment outside their homes. Therefore, it is time for society to remember that women are human beings too and should be allowed the dignity of their rights.

What is sexual harassment?

Every woman has the right to her own private space. When that space is violated by verbal, nonverbal, or physical forms of sexually suggestive behavior, it amounts to harassment. This covers a variety of behaviors ranging from unwanted comments about a person’s body to sexual abuse and assault. The harasser may be overtly sexist in their comments or present an appearance of respectability, but make cunning passes or propositions when the victim is alone.

Types of harassment.

o Predators get a kick out of humiliating women, whether it’s through advances, prank calls, teasing Eva, or phone sex. Make comments of sexual color or unwanted physical contact through pinching, groping, kissing, or groping.

o The most common type is quid pro quo harassment in which sexual favors are expected in exchange for jobs, promotions, grades, or recommendations. This is a serious abuse of power by employers, teachers, politicians or film directors with ‘casting couch’ requirements.

o Some men establish a mentor-like relationship with the victim by pretending to offer professional or academic advice. But soon his sexual intentions surface.

o Serial stalkers are masters at the game. They hit in private so there are no witnesses. It’s just the victim’s word against yours.

o Some use bullying as an ego boost. Victims are subjected to pornographic movies, nude photos, and suggestive language.

o Harassment can be used as a retaliation tactic if a person feels rejected or slighted. These bullies make physical or verbal advances, use obscene language, make vulgar jokes, and create an unpleasant environment.

o There are stalkers who watch, follow, blink or bombard the victim with letters or emails.

o Many operate in groups, harassing women on buses, trains or on the roads by pulling on their clothes, or touching their breasts or buttocks.

Effects of sexual harassment.

Psychologists believe that chronic sexual harassment has the same effect as rape or sexual assault. The message stalkers send is “You are not a person. You don’t matter. Therefore, I am free to harass you.”

– Many victims begin to show poor performance at work or in studies

– Some move to another city, work or university.

– The victim feels humiliated and frustrated for not having control of the situation.

– May follow depression, anxiety, headache or fatigue. Some may go crazy or attempt suicide.

How to deal with sexual harassment.

This is a punishable offense and each country has its own laws. Every woman should be aware of her rights under the law. Sexual harassment must be recognized and not ignored. The victim must resist and show their distance in the face of such behavior. She can have an open conversation with her harasser and tell him to say goodbye.

This can have unpleasant repercussions, especially if he is the boss. He may start to find fault with your work, send you memos or withhold recommendations, and make your life miserable.

The victim must not fall into doubt and lose self-confidence. By not challenging sexual harassment, she may undermine her position. She must continue to go to work or college. But she must also document incidents of harassment, date, time, place, and persons involved and witnesses. She must submit a written complaint with specific details, to whomever she is under supervision.

It’s good to talk to women who have been similarly harassed and form a mutual support group. There are many women’s groups and NGOs that will take up the victim’s cause if management does not come to her aid.

If harassment of a serious nature takes place in a public place, the matter should be brought to the attention of the police.

Employer Responsibility.

– Employers, both in the public and private sectors, must take measures to prevent sexual harassment.

– There must be a defined policy in this regard, which must be published and distributed to all employees.

– A procedure for filing complaints should be established. This must be time-limited, and the victim must be assured of confidentiality and protection.

– A Complaints Committee headed by a woman must review the complaint. The committee should be comprised of 50% female members where possible.

– Disciplinary action should be taken against the harasser. If his behavior falls under criminal law, he should be reported to the police.

Any woman who complains of sexual harassment should prepare for a backlash. She risks hostility, isolation, denigration of character, or even physical harm.

It must be the objective and responsibility of society to eliminate sexual harassment at all levels and in all situations, in order to preserve the dignity of women.