Propel Nonprofits Vaccine Requirements for Staff

Propel Nonprofits has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy to protect our employees and their families, our clients and visitors, and the community at large from COVID-19. As members of the nonprofit community in Minnesota, we wanted to share this news publicly in case it is helpful to you as you make decisions for your organization, and to let our partners know we are doing our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

When the pandemic began in March of 2020, the Leadership Team at Propel adopted what became an iterative COVID-19 plan focused on our own practices at Propel using recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control, the Minnesota Department of Public Health, and the City of Minneapolis where our office is located. In an ever-developing landscape, our goal was to remain informed and flexible so we could best support each other, our clients, and our communities. The health of our employees and their loved ones’, and the people and communities we serve, is our top priority.

Many of our colleagues, clients, and partners are Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC). In Minnesota, and across the United States we know that BIPOC groups were and are disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. According to Minnesota Public Radio News, at the time of this announcement, “data shows this current wave is hitting Black Minnesotans especially hard.” If our work requires meeting with individuals or groups from BIPOC communities, we feel it is necessary for our staff to be vaccinated to do this work.

Our decision to require vaccination is grounded in our trust of the guidance put forth by the public health agencies that we have looked to throughout the pandemic for advice. Additionally, in July, President Biden announced vaccination requirements for federal employees and called on other sectors to do more to encourage vaccination and we are proud to play our part in that effort. Vaccination, in addition to stopping the spread of COVID-19, gives us the best chance for in-person trainings, client meetings, and even a coffee break with a colleague.

Note: We are not sharing this news to give legal advice.