Day two of the SECF 49th Annual Meeting was a day of reflection for philanthropy.
As the demand for more diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy increases, we had the opportunity to attend a handful of insightful sessions that left us hopeful about the future of philanthropy. While it is still important for us to come together and think beyond โtaking sides,โ doing good often means taking a stand for what is right. In philanthropy, we have the opportunity and the ability to do this internally and through our mission to help others.
Itโs not just about checking boxes.
Advancing racial equity requires stepping into the world of underrepresented communities to address the challenges.
Foundations need to ask how we lean into doing our work with a racial equity lens, says @mrbf_org board member @JerryGonzalez93. Donโt just check the box but really address the challenges. #secf49 #equity
— ChildTrust Fdn (@ChildTrustFdn) November 8, 2018
Speaking out protects the soul of your organization.
Trustee of the Greater Memphis Community Foundation, Terri Freeman reminds us to stay grounded in our mission and never lose our rage. “If we do, we have lost the ability to do our work well.”
MRBF board member @JerryGonzalez93 stresses the importance of foundations harnessing their outrage, speaking up about things that are interfering with their missions and affirming the work of their grantee partners.
๐ข #SECF49 pic.twitter.com/aRlrrs2a6G— MRBF (@mrbf_org) November 8, 2018
Itโs time to expand the philanthropic table.
Investing in the mission of grassroots organizations can aide the need for diversity. It’s an opportunity to include the people we wish to serve in our missions, which is crucial for sustainability.
Iโm struck by the range of the models: SPF is 20 years old, seeded by a wealthy white woman who gave grassroots community organizers power to govern and allocate her philanthropic dollars; 1/x #SECF49 #ShiftThePower #ShiftPower
— Chris Cardona (@chriscardona) November 8, 2018
The sessions today focused on difficult topics, but these conversations are necessary to bridging the divide and creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world.
We’re proud to see this shift and happy that we were able to take part in this day of reflection. When we come together, we have tremendous power to create impactful and sustainable change for good.
