My Nonprofit Reviews

Don Allen
Review for Urban League Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
IBNN Editors Note: Residents of Minneapolis should read closely the messages sent out in the local Black press that attempt to position this organization as one on the move up, when in fact troubles continue to linger. IBNN has written favorable stories and not-so favorable stories about the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL). Since the Minneapolis Urban League is a membership organization, under the color of law, how will the MUL handle the possible over-throw of the current board to protect “the membership’s $16 million dollar investment on the corner of Penn and Plymouth Avenue North?” If you recall – it was the Minneapolis Urban League management who decided to release great employees in favor of routing dollars to ACORN home foreclosure counseling, among other things. So far the National Urban League has not returned one call to IBNN in over a year… Under the Minnesota Law – “We” (members in good standing) have the sole responsibility to seek out competent board members and management to continue the organizations ongoing commitment to the community. Originally posted in The Minneapolis Story At 5:15 p.m., today, Thursday, 9-17-09, Minneapolis Urban League Branch President Scott Gray announced, in closed session, the new austerity: 10% salary reduction across the board; termination of ten employees within 30 days; and an indication that the staff of the Urban League Street Academy would go on part time employee status (thus losing their benefits). Ever since the sell-outs kicked Nellie Stone Johnson and me (Ron Edwards) out 20 years ago, when I was the President of the Urban League with 118 employees, they have cannibalized the organization, reducing it from the 118 employees then to what will be less than 20 employees now. We show how this got started in Chapter 14 of The Minneapolis Story. (The Book)
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The field of marketing their successful measurable outcomes until December of 2008 when they released their communications person.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would complete an audit of the organization and have a sigma-six organizational review.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I've had very few good experiences.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
I was once asked to leave a public meeting by the outreach director.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Reorganize.
Ways to make it better...
They would answer written requests.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Lack of leadership and board responsibility.
One thing I'd also say is that...
This organization is not tracking well with the community.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009