I ❤ TWLOHA & We Deserve Better
I’ve been working & volunteering in the nonprofit field since before I graduated from college in 2014. I heavily believe in nonprofits properly compensating their employees, in doing cause-based work, & in looking well beyond simple ratios to determine if a nonprofit is doing good work: all that being said, I don’t know if TWLOHA is doing more than causing a beautiful smokescreen-type ruckus.
I wear their shirts. I talk to all sorts of people from all walks of life based on their gear: but all I know them to be (thus far) is a conversation starter: and I need more.
I’ve long had a fear residing in myself that TWLOHA is a big, puffy chest with long, meandering beautiful blog posts, too many t-shirts, and nothing much in terms of action.
I have yet to see otherwise, especially after looking at their financials.
In 2016, TWLOHA spent about 47.8% of their revenue on salaries. That’s nearly h*cking half and feels abusive of their status.
In 2015, salaries were nearly 42%.
In 2014, salaries were closer to 35%.
That slow climb, though.
All of these numbers are exclusive of benefits or payroll taxes, which also add up for a nearly $2m organization.
I love reading TWLOHA’s content, and also I know we deserve a more functional/more active/more more organization to fight what is a large issue facing our youth, our friends.
I’m not accusing TWLOHA of misusing funds or necessarily abusing their fame or status. Yet. I’m currently just asking what they’re up to. Education, events, and awareness, I know, are useful. But show me the impact you’re having and show me the change you’re making.
I want to believe.
Further reading:
Understanding why ratios aren’t the best way of determining the usefulness of a nonprofit: http://overheadmyth.com
TWLOHA’s financials: http://twloha.com/finances/
