Add a preferred pronouns field to the Constituents Bio 1 tab.
Our Admissions team is adding a preferred pronouns field to our online application form and I think it would be useful to have a place on the Bio 1 tab to store this information in RE7.
This needs to happen ASAP. It is ridiculous that this field does not exist in Raiser's Edge, and makes things needlessly challenging for organizations who work with large numbers of trans and non-binary donors.
We have an increasing number of donors and constituents who identify as trans or nonbinary, and one of our greatest worries in communicating with them is that we will accidentally use the wrong pronouns. It could be perceived as ignorant, non-inclusive, or a micro-aggression, and certainly would not be a kind way to treat donors.
I will note that while we appreciate Blackbaud's update that made the Gender field editable (and have added a number of gender identifications there), it doesn't always help with pronouns. We have also added preferred pronouns as a customized constituency code, but this depends on us knowing the person's pronouns and remembering to enter them - not always the best solution.
What I would really prefer is a field (preferably an editable table) in RE 7 and RE NXT that includes she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, and the option to add other pronouns. It would also make the most sense if we could add it as an optional field in our online donation form so that constituents could self-identify with their pronouns.
I know this may not be easy, but I think it sends the wrong signal when we don't have a way to collect this information if someone wants to give it to us.
Pronouns related to gender expression have and continue to evolve. Recording and using them in correspondence and other communications with constituents are keys to developing and deepening relationships. It is an extension of the inclusion of the non-binary choice in the gender field. In addition, while this may seem like a small logistical addition, it reinforces key aspects of organizational values and social justice for clients. Further, it would be a clear demonstration of Blackbaud’s commitment to the future of social responsibility at the intersection of technology and creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Melinda Mosier (she/her)
This needs to happen ASAP. It is ridiculous that this field does not exist in Raiser's Edge, and makes things needlessly challenging for organizations who work with large numbers of trans and non-binary donors.
Also need to display the Pronoun in NXT
We have an increasing number of donors and constituents who identify as trans or nonbinary, and one of our greatest worries in communicating with them is that we will accidentally use the wrong pronouns. It could be perceived as ignorant, non-inclusive, or a micro-aggression, and certainly would not be a kind way to treat donors.
I will note that while we appreciate Blackbaud's update that made the Gender field editable (and have added a number of gender identifications there), it doesn't always help with pronouns. We have also added preferred pronouns as a customized constituency code, but this depends on us knowing the person's pronouns and remembering to enter them - not always the best solution.
What I would really prefer is a field (preferably an editable table) in RE 7 and RE NXT that includes she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, and the option to add other pronouns. It would also make the most sense if we could add it as an optional field in our online donation form so that constituents could self-identify with their pronouns.
I know this may not be easy, but I think it sends the wrong signal when we don't have a way to collect this information if someone wants to give it to us.
Pronouns related to gender expression have and continue to evolve. Recording and using them in correspondence and other communications with constituents are keys to developing and deepening relationships. It is an extension of the inclusion of the non-binary choice in the gender field. In addition, while this may seem like a small logistical addition, it reinforces key aspects of organizational values and social justice for clients. Further, it would be a clear demonstration of Blackbaud’s commitment to the future of social responsibility at the intersection of technology and creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Melinda Mosier (she/her)
Director of Donor Services
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
We need to continue to adapt to changing societal norms, and it's important to be able to record pronoun preferences for constituent interactions.