Is calling volunteers ‘family’ in nonprofits toxic or supportive?

[Anonymous]

Do we think its also toxic for management of a volunteer organization to use this term, as well as the workplace? Why/why not?

Nah, its fine!

Yes, it's still extremely toxic

Even more so because you're not getting paid, so they can use it as an excuse to bully you

Why would it be?

It depends (will answer in comments)

[Ariesman81Nshiiit]

My experience with 501c3 non profits have been less than stellar. While the motivation behind them is good, the actual function of running them is still businesslike. They still run as a hierarchy with a board of directors and helpers. The only difference being the tax incentives offered. 501c3 just can't carry over a profit higher than X per year. A profitable 501c3 can circumvent that tax complication by paying it's board of directors more, thus showing acceptable "profit". Yes, there are some good ones that do charitable work, but it's important for volunteers to analyze where the money is going and whether or not the values of the volunteer align with the non-profits.

[Anonymous]

Yeah it's kind of toxic. Look family doesn't have to be blood related sometimes we can make our own as we get older through our friends and those who love and support us.

The love of my life Danielle says a house isn't a home. A house is wood a roof floors ceiling and walls. A home are those you love and care about and those who love and care about you

[Screenwriter]

Don't know that it's toxic, but it's inappropriate. Volunteers are still workers. They get benefits from their work, but are unpaid. They are not "family." You do not go to their houses or visit them or watch movies with them. It's like calling longtime servants family. Again, they aren't.

Their salves the consciences of groups who overuse their volunteers. As long as you treat volunteers well, there's no need to. misname them.

[Staximus]

How many times are you going to ask this question

[strateguy632]

It is fine