An Open Letter From Women Leaders in the Nonprofit Sector

In April 2026, 35 women leaders of nonprofits wrote an open letter to the nonprofit sector calling for a pathway into political leadership for young women that doesn’t come with harassment and assault. NCJW President Jody Rabhan joined the letter, which is posted below. 

Letter from women leaders to the nonprofit sector

We write as women dedicated to service—leaders of organizations, advocates for our communities, and stewards of public trust.  

Our ability to serve depends entirely on the faith the public places in us. Currently, nonprofits remain the most trusted institutions in America, a rare and vital asset in a divided era. This trust is the essential currency of our sector; without it, our missions fail. At this moment in history, our society cannot afford for these missions to fail.

And we are alarmed.

Recent revelations and longstanding patterns remind us of a truth that is painful and persistent: women continue to encounter environments—especially those shaped by power, influence, and public authority—where boundaries are blurred, trust is exploited, and vulnerability is manipulated.

Abuses of power abound: from inappropriate texts to out-and-out rape.

It is a grave injustice to see individuals credibly accused of serious misconduct continue to hold positions of authority. That reality can breed cynicism, resignation, and a sense that accountability is futile and fleeting.

But that is not a reason to lower the bar. And it does not absolve any leader anywhere of responsibility.

When those who enter public life or mission-driven work with the intent to help others are themselves exploited, it has a ripple effect. The harm extends beyond the individual (which is a serious harm in and of itself) to our institutions. It discourages talented, values-driven people, especially young women, from stepping into leadership pipelines. It distorts the very idea of service, weakens the effectiveness of organizations that rely on integrity to do their work, and undermines the capacity of society to solve its hardest problems.

That is why it is essential that leadership, whether in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector, is anchored in decency and integrity. Power must never be used as leverage.  Access should be granted fairly and reasonably, not as a pretext for exploitation. Mentorship should be a cornerstone of building strong relationships that develop young people into our future leaders, not as a pathway to manipulation.

We are calling for a higher standard for all individuals seeking positions of trust in America today, and every candidate seeking office—one that is clear, enforceable and lived.

We expect leaders and those seeking office to:

Honor boundaries without exception. If you are in a position of power do not utilize that position to take personal advantage of others.

Reject the misuse of power. Authority should not be used to create dependency, extract personal loyalty, or pursue personal gratification. If you are using your position to create a debt to another person or make it difficult for them to refuse you, you are abusing your power.  

Create cultures of safety and accountability. Organizations should not rely on individuals to speak up at great personal risk. Systems must be in place that protect those who speak out from retaliation.

Model respect in all interactions. Tone, language and behavior matter. They shape what is tolerated—and what is not.

Intent versus impact. Even if your intent is fine, could your actions reasonably cause harm, discomfort or mistrust? Then take a different approach.

Listen—and take seriously—those who come forward. Not reflexively, not defensively, but with seriousness and care, and take the same approach to review of complaints regardless of the title or position of the person who is the subject of the complaint.

What does this look like? At its most basic, always acting like your choices and behavior will be made public, and judged by the people you respect the most. This rule, simply followed, ensures that private conduct aligns with public values.  

If your personal interactions, philosophy, views or actions are inconsistent with the ideas above, then stay out of public life and make room for those who will uphold our highest ideals and values.

We know that most leaders strive to do the right thing. But good intentions are not enough when the consequences of failure are so profound. Trust, once broken, ripples outward, affecting not just individuals, but entire communities and causes.

As women leaders, we are committed to building environments where emerging professionals, especially young women, can grow without fear of manipulation and harm. Where ambition is not exploited and where connections to those in positions of power will not pose a danger to their safety or well-being.

We ask our colleagues across sectors, especially those in positions of power, to join us in calling for these standards to be met by those in public life, with clarity and courage.

To predators no sanction.

Not on our watch.

Signed,

Nonprofit Leaders Committed to Integrity, Accountability, and Respect