Attorney For Nonprofits Offers Free Legal Seminars to Minority Leaders

Responding to a surprising lack of diversity in the leadership of nonprofit organizations, an attorney strives to make a difference

SAN FRANCISCO, California – November 26, 2007 — Gene Takagi, an attorney for nonprofits, is providing free legal classes to minority leaders and emerging leaders of charitable organizations.  After reading a recent article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy reporting that 82 percent of chief executives of nonprofit organizations and 86 percent of board members are white, Takagi decided to take action.  "The nonprofit sector needs to be a better example when it comes to diversity and inclusion," said Takagi.  "Teaching minority leaders was the best way I could help."

Takagi, who serves on the Pro Bono Committee of the Bar Association of San Francisco, is a popular speaker on legal issues affecting nonprofits.  He is launching a four-session program starting on Tuesday, November 27, and plans to continue running the program for new attendees indefinitely.  The sessions will cover areas including nonprofit corporate governance, fundraising, earned income strategies, lobbying, reporting requirements, employment, and intellectual property law.  "Giving minority leaders a basic understanding of these laws will provide them with an edge in their professional development and hopefully open more doors," explains Takagi.  "I would love to see more organizations implement diversity initiatives so that the nonprofit sector can live up to the ideals it espouses."