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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

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We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

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Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

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Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

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Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Jackie Swihart with Rosa Pulido, Executive Director of Wenatchee Downtown Association in Washington.

Jackie Swihart with Rosa Pulido, Executive Director of Wenatchee Downtown Association in Washington.

After almost two years as a Program Officer at Main Street America, I cannot help but reflect on the fact that most people I meet at local programs across the country are women. These women are amazing — they are leading change in their communities, directing their local development efforts, often volunteering beyond a reasonable level of capacity and expectation. They are often also raising children, working additional jobs, and pursuing dreams. 

In many ways, Main Street is a women-led movement. The 2023 Main Street Trends Survey found that 79 percent of responding Main Street executive directors identified as woman or female. If we want the Main Street Movement to continue the thrive, we need to recognize the unique challenges faced by women and provide support and resources to help them get it all done. March is Women’s History Month — a great opportunity to examine your organization, your volunteer force, and your policies to make sure you are supporting the women around you. Here are my reflections on the current state of the Movement and some steps we can take to create a more equitable environment for women. 

Women and Main Street

Data shows that executive director compensation at Main Street programs falls below average. Our 2023 Main Street Trends Survey found that 79 percent of Main Street executive directors are paid less the median salary for nonprofit directors (according to Payscale). This reflects wider trends in gender and pay in the nonprofit sector. Many Main Street programs also offer limited benefits. According to the 2023 Main Street Trends Survey, only 13 percent offer paid parental leave, a benefit that has been shown to improve health outcomes, reduce emotional distress, and improve gender equity. Only 50 percent offer medical insurance, a disparity that has also been shown to disproportionately affect women. 

Main Street executive directors are often the only full-time paid staff member at their organization (63%). It is a demanding role that often requires a schedule beyond the typical 9 – 5 hours. It is also a relationship-driven job that demands a level of emotional commitment and passion that can lead to burn-out. Research has shown that non-profit jobs take a disproportionate toll on women’s mental and physical health.

These inequalities extend to volunteers as well. Main Streets rely heavily on the work of unpaid volunteers; the 2023 Main Street Trends Survey found that local Main Street programs are supported by an average of 46 volunteers. Research has shown that the commitment of volunteer falls more heavily on women, who often have many other time constraints. By providing supportive opportunities for mothers, women of color, working women, and others to participate in their Main Streets, we can grow a more inclusive and diverse community ecosystem.

  • Jackie Swihart poses with Senior Program Officer Lisa Thompson and former Education Manager Kaity O’Reilly in Laramie, Wyoming.

    Jackie Swihart poses with Senior Program Officer Lisa Thompson and former Education Manager Kaity O’Reilly in Laramie, Wyoming.

  • Women sit at tables during a Main Street training event

    Texas Main Street training in Denison, Texas. Photo by Mel Climer.

Growing a More Inclusive Movement

As we recruit women as volunteers, board members, and executive directors, considering the cost of this work, particularly as it relates to gender exploitation and inclusion, is vitally important. We need to provide resources and funding to make sure that these leaders are supported in their day-to-day work and careers. We also need to create more space for celebration and rest. Here are some steps you can take to make your organization more welcoming for women: 

  • Equal Pay Policies: Consider conducting regular audits of your staff pay and comparing it to other nonprofit and economic development professionals to ensure women are receiving equal pay for equal work.
  • Parenting and Childcare: Consider prioritizing parental leave, flexible work hours, and childcare benefits to support parents and reduce the parental professional achievement gap.
  • Training and Professional Development: Seek mentorship and training opportunities that support women in advancing their careers. Allow women to take advantage of these opportunities during working hours without the expectation that they increase working hours elsewhere. 
  • Require a Respectful Culture: Implement a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination by establishing safe avenues for reporting and addressing misconduct. 
  • Transparency in Hiring and Promoting: Establish clear criteria and processes to prevent bias and discrimination in the hiring and promotion channels. Include salary and benefits in position descriptions, a practice that can lead to a more conducive and fair hiring process, while reducing the gender wage gap.
  • Offer Volunteer Benefits: Consider offering volunteer benefits (childcare resources, transportation support, etc.) to offset the cost of volunteering and nurture a more diverse volunteer base.
  • Collect and Analyze Data: Actively collect data on gender representation within the organization and regularly analyze it to identify gender gaps, establish equity goals, and track progress. 
  • Speak to Your Staff: Create a culture of open and honest discussion so you can create employee support programs that fit your organization’s unique needs. 

If your community has established successful policies or practices to increase equity for women, we would love to hear from you. Please share your examples of women empowerment on Main Street with us as we celebrate Women’s History Month this March.

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