Giving Compass' Take:

• Magdalena Nowicka Mook, writing for Forbes, discusses how the #MeToo movement inspired nonprofits to invest in leaders who will address sexual misconduct in the workplace appropriately.

• How is sexual harassment dealt with differently in corporations compared to nonprofit organizations? What systemic changes need to happen throughout society to address the broader sexual harassment issue?

• Read more about #MeToo and the implications for the nonprofit sector.

The #MeToo movement has created a ripple effect across the nation, prompting organizations to address sexual harassment issues that have historically been ignored or suppressed.

While much of the discourse has focused on corporate America, nonprofits also grapple with these challenges.  With the light now shining on this serious issue, nonprofits have an opportunity to tackle it in ways that align with their pursuit of social change.

Like corporations, nonprofits have multiple stakeholders to consider when examining sexual harassment issues, including donors and boards of decision makers. However, they may not have corporate-like structures in place to implement solutions. In these cases, creative thinking about outside partnerships can lead nonprofits toward executive development, staff empowerment and systemic change.

To build a progressive organization, executives, managers and third parties need to address sexual harassment head-on and establish a clear understanding of what can be done to prevent it. It is valuable to invest in improving the communication skills of an organization’s leaders, nurturing employee rights and bringing in a third party to guide the development of a respectful workplace environment.

Women have always looked out for the good of others. With the #MeToo movement giving women a platform for their voices to be heard, they are increasingly advocating for themselves as well.

Employees need to feel like work is a safe space for them, where they can discuss difficult subjects like sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment incidents need acknowledgment, a strong sense of community in the workplace and an outlet for people to discuss boundaries freely. Leadership development, employee advocacy and coaching can empower leaders to support staff, influence collective activism and create a ripple effect that influences a supportive environment in the long term.

Read the full article about #MeToo movement's impact on nonprofits by Magdalena Nowicka Mook at Forbes