The tweets start with “Hello” and end with “Thank you.” But the amiable tone belies a barbed message that aims to publicly shame nonprofits and foundations. Dozens have been targeted — big-name grant makers like the anti-poverty Blue Meridian Partners but also small groups like a nonprofit Canadian newsroom called the Walrus.

Each tweet notes that the organization has posted an advertisement for an open position that didn’t indicate how much the job would pay. Such “salary cloaking,” it continues, perpetuates racial and gender compensation gaps. “Please always #ShowTheSalary.”

The author of these nettlesome Twitter posts is Vu Le, a former nonprofit executive who writes the blog Nonprofit AF, which delivers critiques of the charity field that mix humor, sharp elbows, and outrage. Last month alone, he fired off 15 call-out tweets, sometimes several in one day.

For Le, this is a new tactic in a battle he’s waged since at least 2015, when he wrote, “Hiring managers, I am begging you … examine why you are not disclosing your salaries on job postings.” He took his crusade to Twitter in the past year or so because his blog and emails to organizations failed to stir action. “If you call them out in private, they usually just mosey on down and do nothing,” he says.

Vu Le, who writes the blog Nonprofit AF, has been urging charities to disclose salaries in job ads since 2015.

If he was once alone in a quixotic campaign, others now have taken up the cause. A group of anonymous fundraisers is waging a social-media call-out campaign, #ShowTheSalary, that has netted pledges from more than 280 organizations that appear to be mostly, if not entirely, in Britain to include pay in job postings. Employees are also pressing for change from within; some, Le says, ask him to turn up the heat with a Twitter post.

Almost three years ago, Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) and its affiliates, The Indianapolis Foundation and the Hamilton County Community Foundation, announced our new shared mission and a focused commitment to dismantling systemic racism.

After spending generations committed to making the Central Indiana community stronger through philanthropy, we were faced with the realization and data-driven proof that our collective efforts were still leaving people and communities behind while others prospered. And it was clear that race still has a profound impact on the opportunity for someone to reach their full potential.

We committed to learning more, having hard conversations amongst our staff and leadership, and most importantly, developing authentic relationships with residents, listening to them — and activating what we heard. We made space to learn and encouraged our employees and board members to bring their whole selves into this work. As we’ve continued to learn more, we’ve invited others — community leaders, corporate leaders, not-for-profits, our fundholders — to join us on this journey towards equity. All with mixed success.

On our journey to be a leader in creating one of the most anti-racist communities in this nation, a few of our fundholders chose to take their philanthropy elsewhere. In conversations about race with our staff, there were times when we were challenged by the tone of voice used to share their perspective and experiences instead of listening to what was being shared.

There were times when our choice in language could have been chosen more wisely when addressing privilege and our country’s history of centering the White experience. In reflecting on those moments, we were faced with Abraham Maslow’s two options, “step forward into growth, or step back into safety.” We chose — and will continue to choose — the former. And in that choice, new funds and relationships came to fruition because of our commitment to equity and growth is not wavering.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers or have this journey figured out. We have to be intentional and authentic and willing to make mistakes — and learn from them. The process of becoming an anti-racist organization, community, and nation is ever evolving.

Volunteers are needed on Aug. 4 for the Indiana State Fair Deep Fry Dash for Damar, presented by Meridian Health Services. All volunteers will receive fair admission, free parking, a T-shirt, and fair food treats. Group reservations are available. Learn or contact Erin de la Rosa erind@damar.org

Minority Recovery Collective, Inc., is recruiting five new members to join its board of directors. Ideal candidates have a background in business and finance, health & wellness, spiritual wellness, environmental justice, project management or event planning. Apply

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