My Nonprofit Reviews
Emilie
Review for National Center for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco, CA, USA
NCLR is, simply put, an amazing organization. They were founded more than 30 years ago, during a turbulent time in American and LGBT history, as well as somewhat of a vague time for lesbians in particular (most early cases had to do with adoption and general family law). Since then, they have grown into a prominent, national LGBT-wide legal organization, working on behalf of the entire queer community and its families for one simple thing: Equality. Whether it's in sports, work, the hospital or simply one's own family life, equality is the end goal and they really will be here until this is achieved. I'm very thankful for the work they have done and continue to do (if you want a Grisham-like set of legal stories, just head to their Web site!), and honestly we wouldn't be where we are now without NCLR. Whether they win Pride Choice or not, hopefully their hard work is duly noted.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
national media, courtrooms small and large, my daily life and the life of the community.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
work on also being part of higher-level 'cause' conversations and mindful not to risk pigeon-holing the organization into that of a "wacky San Francisco" type. The work is so tremendous and powerful, I'd hate to see it marginalized by greater America.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their audacity to fight for justice and their perseverance to win :)
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic and dedicated to their work, able to keep the goal in mind even during tough times.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
establish more offices/outposts for even more casework; attend more events and hold more gatherings across the country; research/litigate more cases (small and large) that impact the various and nuanced aspects of achieving equality under the law.
Ways to make it better...
there was a little less emphasis on getting all of the demographics right; not getting bogged down in too much "PC" culture that could end up alienating less all-out-liberal members of the LGBT community (not every American has a "Bay Area" perspective).
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
reaching out to the greater American LGBT community, especially Heartland/rural; finding a place to hold the growing number of anniversary celebration attendees :) One challenge NCLR DOESN'T face? Staying positive that one day full equality will be seen!
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm very grateful for NCLR. I don't always agree with its methods, but their work is powerful and important stuff.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Review for Greenpeace Inc, Washington, DC, USA
While I'm not personally someone who subscribes to the more-radical tactics of GreenPeace -- and I really can't stand their endless clipboarding-on-the-sidewalk strategies -- the end result of their work is always attention-getting and, therefore, priceless. They are dedicated to their cause with no holds barred, and they deserve some kudos for that in a world of watered-down and smoothed-over nonprofit tip-toeing. Regardless of their obnoxiousness at times, it's truly refreshing to see organizations like this continuing to push the boundaries.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
national media.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hold workshops on how to reach out to your average joe.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
its entertaining radical tactics.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
finally pay its staff what they probably deserve.
Ways to make it better...
they'd stop hounding me if I'm not interested in signing the clipboard.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
overcoming its radical reputation...only if they want (which I don't think they do.)
One thing I'd also say is that...
at least they're shaking things up.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
