In this episode of the Fund the People podcast, host Rusty Stahl interviews Nneka Payne, Executive Director of CHOOSE 180, a Seattle-area nonprofit that transforms oppressive systems and supports young people's healing and development. Payne shares her personal journey from experiencing the juvenile legal system firsthand to leading an organization that provides alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for youth. CHOOSE 180 has grown from one program to eight, expanding from court-based diversion to include mental health services, gun violence prevention, and other support services.
The conversation focuses on CHOOSE 180's groundbreaking decision to establish a minimum salary floor of $70,000 (now $73,000) for all employees, up from previous wages that hovered around $45,000-$50,000. This transformation occurred rapidly - within 4-6 weeks - during the pandemic, driven by staff advocacy and leadership's commitment to addressing financial stress among employees. The organization worked with compensation consultants and engaged their board to make this significant change, despite the uncertainties of nonprofit funding.
The results of this wage increase have been transformative for both staff and program participants. The organization has actually grown its staff from about 20 to 32 people, while maintaining strong program outcomes. CHOOSE 180 has also expanded its employee benefits to include wellness stipends, homeownership education, and other resources. Nneka emphasizes that when staff aren't burdened by financial stress, they can focus more fully on serving participants, leading to better outcomes and stronger community impact.
Key Takeaways:
- CHOOSE 180 rapidly implemented a $70,000 minimum salary for all staff in 4-6 weeks, demonstrating that significant wage increases are possible in nonprofits with proper planning and commitment
- Rather than hindering growth, the wage increase enabled the organization to expand from around 20 to 32 staff members while maintaining strong program outcomes
- The organization has succeeded by being clear with funders about their wage priorities and being willing to decline funding that doesn't align with their values
- Investing in staff through living wages and comprehensive benefits has improved program delivery and participant outcomes
- CHOOSE 180's approach shows that nonprofits can prioritize both mission impact and staff wellbeing without compromising either
Bio: Nneka Payne
Nneka is a relationship-focused and mission-driven leader who holds a dynamic background spanning a decade across community-based organizations, human services, and the legal system. Rooted in her firsthand experiences with the King County juvenile legal system, the mission of CHOOSE 180 is deeply personal for her. She has witnessed how the strain between systems, processes, and people create significant gaps and limit opportunities for young people and is committed to eliminating those strains and identifying possibilities.
Links to Resources:
Contact CHOOSE 180 (206) 457-8940
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