At the April Board Meeting, the Board agreed to formally discontinue the Fellowship’s practice of giving cash bonuses to the staff at year end. Although it may be a cherished holiday tradition for some members, it is actually a problematic practice and it is appropriate to discontinue it.

In a nut shell, our yearend bonuses are problematic because, even though they are intended to show appreciation, they are basically a tip. Tips are inherently biased and therefore inherently unfair, and they smack of unfair labor practices, colonialism, patriarchy, and privilege. Additionally, the practice clouds the transparency of compensation for our much-appreciated staff, and requires hours of additional work for already overworked volunteers. As the real goal is to show appreciation, a personalized gesture such as a small gift with a signed note shows appreciation much more effectively than money.

To read the text of the proposal approved by the Board, click HERE.