Many other nonprofit organizations also hitting dry spells

Many other nonprofit organizations also hitting dry spells: "Many other nonprofit organizations also hitting dry spells
By Sarah Barnes
Staff Reporter
sarah.barnes@rockdalecitizen.com
CONYERS � Employees and volunteers in the nonprofit sector are working uphill these days, according to a new survey by OMB Watch.
In a report entitled �Recent Trends in Nonprofit Employment and Earnings: 1990-2004,� the research and advocacy organization found that nonprofits have added few new jobs and have seen a drop in average weekly earnings. Also, those on staff are having to do more with less due to a drop in the average hours worked.
�While the nonprofit sector held up well in the 2001 recession and its recent aftermath, the more recent experience has been troubling,� the report states.
�The nonprofit sector of the economy is traditionally asked to help support the nation in times of economic weakness, and is currently expected to make up for reductions in publicly provided government services. The current data indicate that the sector is being asked to do more with less labor input.�
According to the report, jobs in the nonprofit sector grew by only 0.5 percent in 2004, after growing by an average of 2.4 percent for the last 15 years. Moreover, weekly earnings decreased by 6 percent and weekly hours worked decreased by 4 percent.
In Conyers, many local nonprofits say they have felt the trends first hand. Mike Robinson, director of A.R. Gus Barksdale Boys and Girls Club, says the club has seen diminishing financial support, less volunteers and greater demand from the community in the last few years."