We invite members to join their Philanthropy Network peers for a virtual cohort experience to gain essential knowledge about our shared work to build an equitable region.
Our new five-part series Essentials of Intersectional Equity: Foundational Knowledge for Advancing Equity in the Philanthropic Sector will be led by Philanthropy Network president Christine Robinson, who will provide foundational content about intersectional equity developed over her decades of practice. Course content will help you understand the equity framework in which Philanthropy Network works and provide a socioecological grounding from which to engage with other learning opportunities and your work as funders.
Register today for this first session, which will cover key concepts and theories and is open to all members. If you cannot join us live, the session will be recorded and made available online.
The remaining four sessions will be limited to 25 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for the full cohort experience will open on April 20th. Read on for further details about the series schedule and content.
Following this initial series that will run from May-June 2023, we will repeat this learning series as a Board/Trustee-only cohort. The full course will also be offered again to the full membership in the fall. Dates and times for future series TBA.
Materials
- Session 1 slide deck (PDF)
Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED Talk - Bobbie Harro: The Cycle of Socialization
- Margaret Wheatley: Willing to be Disturbed
- Glossary of Terms
Recording
Course Details
AUDIENCE/CONTENT
The series is open to any Philanthropy Network member who identifies as entry or intermediate in their equity knowledge. The initial session is open to all members. Registrants for the full series are asked to commit to attending all sessions. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend with someone else in their organization. There will be a modest amount of pre-reading between sessions which will be posted on the website in a folder for the cohort.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Create a shared understanding of concepts, terminology, approach, philosophy, and communication skills on intersectional equity.
- Reflect on our own intersectional identities and build/strengthen relationships so we can partner together effectively.
- Identify shared work for an inclusive and equitable review of practice, approach, and policies at the organizational and team level in the philanthropic sector that affects our collective lives.
- Consider the skills we need to “team” more mindfully.
OVERVIEW
This series will focus on the tools, theories, and approaches to building a galvanizing force of the philanthropic sector premised on the inherent dignity of all people. The Philadelphia region is a place of numerous assets: art, architecture, culture, food, rich history, and, most especially, our people. This series grounds Philanthropy Network’s commitment to build upon local assets and build a new and honest story that grounds a vision of the future.
Across the region, we see dynamic equity-driven movements and leaders advancing work that encompasses a vision of a truly inclusive intersectional democracy. They recognize that our fundamental liberties become stronger when our institutions are responsive to everyone-that when all people are served by our democratic institutions, all have a stake in protecting them. This series is premised on the notion that all people matter, and aspires to move toward building an equitable region where all people add value and are valued.
SERIES SCHEDULE- All sessions will be virtual on Zoom
- Session 1: Wednesday, April 19, 1:00 – 2:30pm (open to all members)
- Session 2: Tuesday, May 9, 2:30 – 4:00 pm*
- Session 3: Friday, June 9, 9:30 – 11:00 am*
- Session 4: Tuesday, June 20, 1:00 – 2:30pm*
- Session 5: Wednesday, June 28, 1:00 – 2:30pm*
*cohort-based session limited to 25 people; pre-registration for the series required.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
- Session 1: Building an Equitable Region: Key Concepts and Theories
Summary of definitions and values that ground Philanthropy Network’s mission and are essential for all members to understand. This session is open to all members and will be recorded and made available online.
- Session 2: Equity: Beyond DEI and Toward Intersectionality
Equity implies the promotion of just and fair belonging throughout society, creating the conditions in which everyone can participate, prosper and reach his, her or their full potential. Far beyond traditional DEI, an equity backbone must inform all endeavors - including an intersectional approach that recognizes and values each person’s multiple identities. Movements, nonprofit, and public sector excellence are only possible if they are generative organizations or systems pursuing intersectional equity within their composition, cultures, and policies to benefit from voices of all perspectives and experiences throughout all organizational elements. This session will provide a deep dive into these concepts and why they are essential if philanthropy is to catalyze lasting positive change in the region.
- Session 3: Stigma and its Implications: Overview of Historically Marginalized Populations and Commonality of Stigma
We have historically consigned groups to the margins in the US. A core assumption behind stigma is that internal merit is revealed through external features. Those judged superior by virtue of their membership in some category are given more opportunities to prove themselves; those deemed less worthy by virtue of membership in a stigmatized category need help to establish their merit no matter what they do. We will discuss implications for grantmaking, work with colleagues, communities, those directly affected, and historically marginalized communities. Numerous populations who are the focus of philanthropic initiatives will be discussed in a different framing that is foundational to equity work.
- Session 4: Necessary Ingredients in Organizations with an Equity Lens
An organization that values equity and co-creation is a welcoming and inclusive place for everybody to work. This session will provide an overview of the components needed to embed equity into an organization by addressing personal attitudes, aligning informal cultural norms, and creating formal institutional policies. An additional conversation will explore what it means to have an equity lens and how it can be built through critical thinking, self-awareness, psychological safety, deep listening, and alignment.
- Session 5: Equity in Action: Building an Equity Culture
This final session will review specific actions funders can take to build an equity culture at their organizations and in their partnerships. Using a four-stage framework, Christine Robinson will guide participants through the characteristics of each stage and the practices needed to progress to the next level of work.