08/19/2026
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ARE UNDER ATTACK.
Not just in California—but across the country.
Those of us who have dedicated our lives to serving people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for those too often left behind are facing increased scrutiny.
And scrutiny itself isn’t the problem.
When we operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability, we should be prepared to answer the hard questions. We should welcome accountability because the public has every right to expect responsible stewardship from organizations entrusted to serve their communities.
But we also have to acknowledge something uncomfortable:
There are people who fundamentally question the value of our work—who believe struggling individuals should simply “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and figure it out on their own.
That makes our responsibility as nonprofit leaders even greater.
Because when even a few leaders engage in unethical behavior, misuse resources, or embrace bad practices, the consequences reach far beyond one organization.
Their actions can damage trust in an entire sector.
That means those of us committed to doing this work the right way must hold ourselves to an even higher standard.
Stay away from shortcuts.
Stay away from questionable practices.
Build strong systems of accountability.
Protect the resources entrusted to you.
Lead with transparency—even when nobody is watching.
Because bad practices don’t only cost those responsible. They create consequences for the organizations and leaders who are serving with integrity—and ultimately for the people depending on us.
We have to work together—and work harder—to protect the integrity of this sector.
Because if we undermine public trust, we undermine our ability to serve.
And in the court of public opinion, an entire sector can be judged by the actions of a few.
Let’s protect the mission.
Let’s protect the people.
Let’s protect the integrity of this work.
The communities we serve deserve nothing less. >>>[https://linktr.ee/yusef_wiley]