2011 Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey: Sign Up to Participate!

Don't miss your chance to participate in the MBL Group's 6th edition of the premier compensation and benefits survey for Oregon and SW Washington nonprofits. The 2011 survey will provide comprehensive information for 86 benchmark positions and 14 benefit and pay topics. Whether you are a large or small employer, rurally located or in the heart of the urban environment, your participation is critical.

Top 4 Reasons to Participate

Ignorance is not bliss. The more you know about competitive pay and benefits practices in your market, the better decisions you can make for your organization.

Timing is everything. The economic recession led to dramatic challenges for organizations, many of which took direct actions related to pay and benefits. As organizations stabilize and reset, it is critical to have current, relevant, and reliable data on nonprofit compensation and benefit trends in our region.

There is safety in numbers. Including your data supports decisions made in our own organizations and in organizations throughout our region. It is one simple step which makes our community stronger.

You can't afford not to. A small investment of your time today helps ensure long-term success in attracting and retaining talent for your organization's future.

Learn more or sign up to participate today!

Participation is free and all participants receive a complimentary Executive Summary. The survey will open March 1 and runs through March 31. Participants receive up to a 67% discount off the purchase price, and Nonprofit Association of Oregon members receive an additional 10% discount.

When I Think of Dr. King...

I’ve been thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr. this week. To be honest, I think about him quite often.   I remember when he walked among us, and I remember when he was assassinated. That day we lost a great leader and I recall how great numbers of cities across the country broke out in riots.  The emotional trauma felt by our country was palpable.  At the time, the shock, sadness, and sense of loss compared to when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated only five years earlier. 

Little did we know that just two months after losing Dr. King, we would lose another champion of civil rights in Senator Robert Kennedy. Because they died in such close proximity, I can’t think of one without thinking of the other. I was 16 and their loss had a life-changing impact on me. They were great men doing great things; and then they were gone. Just like that.

I think of the significance of two leaders, ages 39 and 42, one black and one white, who died that year working for peace and justice. Is there a lesson there for us … for me? Is it about the need to carry on the work, together?

Through the years I’ve wondered what our country would be like if they were still here. I’ve wondered why Dr. King felt a need speak out, and to go where there was injustice that didn’t impact him personally. Like first responders run toward a disaster, he ran toward injustice, not away from it.

Today, I’m thinking of Dr. King because it’s his holiday. As I head out to volunteer, I’m inspired by his life and by his work. I’m in awe of his wisdom and his strength. Most importantly, I feel responsible for doing my part to help Dr. King’s dream become a reality for us all:


“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”


- Maria Rubio

Director of Diversity and Inclusion
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Oregon Iron Works Food Donation

Oregon Iron Works makes yet another generous donation for Portland families. Jeff Zawada (pictured) dropped off the employee's contributions of non perishable food to the Oregon Food Bank. Thank you once again Oregon Iron Works!

How Much Would You Pay to Throw a Pie in the Face of Your Boss?

Employees at Far West Fibers capped off a fundraising drive with a pie in the face of their boss. What a fun idea!

Heartwarming LIVE UNITED Story

"I live united by supporting a family member with mental health issues. By staying in their life providing stability and a safe environment.  By giving encouragement to venture beyond obstacles.  By living united I get to  witness an individual living a normal life.  My choice limits time and energy for other, but I can extend good in the community by simply giving to United Way." - Anonymous

Holiday Cake from Labor's Community Services and the Bakers Union

Thanks to our friends at Labor's Community Services and the Bakers Union for such a delicious treat. We appreciate the many years of a great partnership supporting the community.

Now, it's time to eat some cake!

Oregon Iron Works Spreads Holiday Cheer

Oregon Iron Works, the local manufacturing and fabrication company founded in 1944, has run a fabulous campaign this year. To get into the holiday spirit, the company ran a toy drive on behalf of United Way. You'll see in the photos below all the great items employees of Oregon Iron Works collected for children throughout Portland to enjoy.

Thank you Oregon Iron Works!



United Way's Pam Albee shows off some of the cute
teddy bears donated by Oregon Iron Works Employees.