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Live tweet thread:
Day 1 of the Racial Equity & Justice in Philanthropy Funders' Summit is about to start!
@Jen_Newsted and I will be live-tweeting (and attending different concurrent sessions). The summit is using #REJPFS.
@TheCircleCanada @REFBC @level_vf @VancouverFdn
Day 1 of the Racial Equity & Justice in Philanthropy Funders' Summit is about to start!
@Jen_Newsted and I will be live-tweeting (and attending different concurrent sessions). The summit is using #REJPFS.
@TheCircleCanada @REFBC @level_vf @VancouverFdn
The #REJPFS summit is taking place on @pathable. As attendees wait for the summit to begin, organizers including @aboutabeer @digmydiaspora is keeping everyone updated via chat function. Great to see so many folks virtually!
Here's the first session:
Here's the first session:
Opening & land acknowledgement by Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George. While the #REJPFS is taking place online due to COVID-19, organizers wanted to recognize @musqueam @tsleilwaututh @SquamishNation, where the original in-person summit was going to take place.
Welcome & introductions by Kris Archie @WeyktKris from @TheCircleCanada. Very important framing and suggestions on how to participate over the next two days. The summit is taking place on @pathable with a chat function that is very lively.
Kris Archie @WeyktKris is inviting folks to practice Principles of Care, suggests folks get outside during breaks since we are spending so much time on screens now.
(Kris is always so great at grounding us, and I'm seeing that practice, again, live through a digital medium!)
(Kris is always so great at grounding us, and I'm seeing that practice, again, live through a digital medium!)
Kris Archie @WeyktKris' opening remarks on impetus for Summit.
One of the goals for the summit is putting Knowledge Translation into action. "What is the convo we need to have in my organization? What convo do I have with my board chair?"
These pieces of labour is the work.
One of the goals for the summit is putting Knowledge Translation into action. "What is the convo we need to have in my organization? What convo do I have with my board chair?"
These pieces of labour is the work.
re: COVID-19.
Many say that it is Unprecedented Times but it is actually not unprecedented at all. It has happened with smallpox in Indigenous communities. There is a lot of wisdom in Indigenous, Black, and people colour on how to move through difficult times.
#REJPFS
Many say that it is Unprecedented Times but it is actually not unprecedented at all. It has happened with smallpox in Indigenous communities. There is a lot of wisdom in Indigenous, Black, and people colour on how to move through difficult times.
#REJPFS
Invite people to recognize that there are people more equipped to navigate these times - people who have experienced challenging times through their history, and hold these histories in their blood.
Kris Archie @WeyktKris guides us through the Summit Workbook designed by @yaimel1983.
In the workbook there is a poem by Micky ScottBey Jones. You can find it here: https://onbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/An-Invitation-to-Brave-Space.pdf
This summit has An Invitation To Brave Spaces
In the workbook there is a poem by Micky ScottBey Jones. You can find it here: https://onbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/An-Invitation-to-Brave-Space.pdf
This summit has An Invitation To Brave Spaces
Kris @WeyktKris invite participants to shift from Safe Space to Brave Spaces. Wants us to recognize the discomfort that will come from some of these conversations, and how our bodies react to this discomfort.
Credits & adopted by AWARE-LA.
Credits & adopted by AWARE-LA.
This #REJPFS Summit is centering IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) voices - this can be uncomfortable when we are so used to hearing and centering white voices.
Challenge Others is not to be the devil’s advocate. It is about challenging yourself in your own views.
Challenge Others is not to be the devil’s advocate. It is about challenging yourself in your own views.
Introduction to #REJPFS Graphic Facilitator Tiaré Jung @tiarejung. Tiaré shares their pronouns as they/them and the word mahu in Hawaiian as their pronoun.
More here on mahu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81h%C5%AB
(I'll try and grab some screen caps of the graphic art later!)
More here on mahu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81h%C5%AB
(I'll try and grab some screen caps of the graphic art later!)
Kris Archie @WeyktKris encourages participants to fully utilize the #REJPFS workbook provided to ground ourselves. There is space in the workbook (and in the agenda) for reflections, colouring, and other ways to process the stories, lessons, and emotions that we will experience.
Kris Archie @WeyktKris closes the opening with their own reason for organizing #REJPFS.
They share (on screen) a pendant of Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as Lily of the Mohawks, a Catholic saint (more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri_Tekakwitha) Focus on Tekakwitha’s life: kindness and compassion
They share (on screen) a pendant of Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as Lily of the Mohawks, a Catholic saint (more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri_Tekakwitha) Focus on Tekakwitha’s life: kindness and compassion
Kris @WeyktKris: This is professional development for some of you. For some, racial equity and justice is interesting and theoretical idea that you are trying to embed into your day to day life. For others, this is day to day where there are deaths in our communities.
#REJPFS
#REJPFS
@WeyktKris: For many folks, there is an awakening now on racial injustices and inequities. But there will continue to be harm to IBPOC, Queer, Trans, folks with Disabilities until there is fundamental changes in our society. We cannot let this harm fallback to commonplace.
@WeyktKris: I have little patience sometimes where my humanity and humanity of my brothers and sisters is debated/arguable. (Brings back Tekakwitha’s life about kindness and compassion).
Kris invites participants To be here, stay here, feel the discomfort, own the discomfort.
Kris invites participants To be here, stay here, feel the discomfort, own the discomfort.
Kris Archie @WeyktKris: The labour can't stop with your time at #REJPFS over these two days. "We need folks to roll up their sleeves and get to work."
#REJPFS
#REJPFS
(my tweets are 5ish minutes delayed because I'm taking notes on the side to repackage them for twitter. thanks for your patience.)
Keynote Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers of Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity(PRE).
Opens with recognizing that we are missing a lot by not being able to be gather in person. Starts with a Grace Lee Boggs (mentor, friend) quote: "What time is it on the clock of the world?”
Opens with recognizing that we are missing a lot by not being able to be gather in person. Starts with a Grace Lee Boggs (mentor, friend) quote: "What time is it on the clock of the world?”
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
Mistake to assume that there isn’t incredibility fast changes in our society. These changes could be going in the right direction but it could also go the other way. We need to be prepared for both shifts, including the backlash.
#REJPFS
Mistake to assume that there isn’t incredibility fast changes in our society. These changes could be going in the right direction but it could also go the other way. We need to be prepared for both shifts, including the backlash.
#REJPFS
Lori @RJGrantmakers:
While many of us use the same words of racial justice, racial equity, etc... We are not speaking the same language, and the number of ways we understand and convey meaning is so different. It is critical that we align on definitions and understandings.
While many of us use the same words of racial justice, racial equity, etc... We are not speaking the same language, and the number of ways we understand and convey meaning is so different. It is critical that we align on definitions and understandings.
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
Doing this work is to sharpen our ability to confront power, redistribute resources, and enact systemic change towards racial equity and racial justice.
#REJPFS
Doing this work is to sharpen our ability to confront power, redistribute resources, and enact systemic change towards racial equity and racial justice.
#REJPFS
Lori @RJGrantmakers:
There is a misconception that the moment that we are experiencing now (mass movements for racial justice) is all of a sudden. But we need to recognize that this movement has always been there and that it comes from long, historical connections and work.
There is a misconception that the moment that we are experiencing now (mass movements for racial justice) is all of a sudden. But we need to recognize that this movement has always been there and that it comes from long, historical connections and work.
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
As funders, we must invest in the movement that we want to see in 20 years from today. Invest in community infrastructure early is essential. It is also important to respond to the now.
#REJPFS
As funders, we must invest in the movement that we want to see in 20 years from today. Invest in community infrastructure early is essential. It is also important to respond to the now.
#REJPFS
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
IBPOC have the understanding and awareness of what is happening in their communities and where funding can be the most impactful. These orgs have the ability to hear things quicker and pivot to meet emerging community need and responses.
IBPOC have the understanding and awareness of what is happening in their communities and where funding can be the most impactful. These orgs have the ability to hear things quicker and pivot to meet emerging community need and responses.
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
Support for IBPOC orgs can be General support, multi-year funding (not project to project).
When funders give to white organizers for racial justice work, this creates a dynamic where IBPOC orgs and folks are subsidizing white orgs and their work.
Support for IBPOC orgs can be General support, multi-year funding (not project to project).
When funders give to white organizers for racial justice work, this creates a dynamic where IBPOC orgs and folks are subsidizing white orgs and their work.
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
When everything is framed at the beginning and end from the white perspective, IBPOCS having to choose which points to fight on, and which points where they can participate and support. This is not equitable. This centres whiteness.
#REJPFS
When everything is framed at the beginning and end from the white perspective, IBPOCS having to choose which points to fight on, and which points where they can participate and support. This is not equitable. This centres whiteness.
#REJPFS
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
As funders, if not now, when? If we are not using our power now, what are waiting for? Invites funders to risk take.
If you are not actively anti-racist, you are actively status-quo.
As funders, if not now, when? If we are not using our power now, what are waiting for? Invites funders to risk take.
If you are not actively anti-racist, you are actively status-quo.
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
If you are in the middle due to your comfort or discomfort - we won’t actualize the change that is needed. Encourages participants to lean into the discomfort work with it so we can take action on racial equity and racial justice work.
#REJPFS
If you are in the middle due to your comfort or discomfort - we won’t actualize the change that is needed. Encourages participants to lean into the discomfort work with it so we can take action on racial equity and racial justice work.
#REJPFS
Now, Morning Plenary- Racial Equity and Justice in Settler Philanthropy with:
Paulette Senior @PauletteSenior1 of Canadian Women's Foundation @cdnwomenfdn
Sara Lyons of Community Foundations of Canada@CommFdnsCanada
+
Paulette Senior @PauletteSenior1 of Canadian Women's Foundation @cdnwomenfdn
Sara Lyons of Community Foundations of Canada@CommFdnsCanada
+
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers of Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity(PRE)
and moderated by Kris Archie @WeyktKris.
and moderated by Kris Archie @WeyktKris.
Kris @WeyktKris acknowledges that #REJPFS is bringing in perspectives from the United States. Shares:
(1) No borders - they are constructed. (look up term: Medicine Line)
(2) US has stronger language that is needed to bring racial equity work into philanthropy
#REJPFS
(1) No borders - they are constructed. (look up term: Medicine Line)
(2) US has stronger language that is needed to bring racial equity work into philanthropy
#REJPFS
Kris as moderator asks the panelists Grace Lee Bogg's quote/question: "What time is it on the clock of the world?"
@PauletteSenior1:
Now is the time. The need for patience needs to be done with. Act now, no more studies. Utilize our power to look internally what actions to take.
@PauletteSenior1:
Now is the time. The need for patience needs to be done with. Act now, no more studies. Utilize our power to look internally what actions to take.
Paulette Senior @PauletteSenior1:
There is a rising levels of impatience about racism in Canada.
How do we work with donors so that they know that their funding is going to the intended impact? Donors are wanting foundations to be more vocal on this work.
There is a rising levels of impatience about racism in Canada.
How do we work with donors so that they know that their funding is going to the intended impact? Donors are wanting foundations to be more vocal on this work.
Paulette Senior @PauletteSenior1:
In using our voice as foundations, we need to recognize that you might lose donors when you speak out, sign a letter, make a statement.
Final: Are asking donors to invest to continue the work (as is) or are we asking them to help end the work.
In using our voice as foundations, we need to recognize that you might lose donors when you speak out, sign a letter, make a statement.
Final: Are asking donors to invest to continue the work (as is) or are we asking them to help end the work.
Sara Lyons @Saralyons41 of @CommFdnsCanada:
"Time for change is wider than it's ever been."
Recognition on being not racist vs being anti-racism is different, and moving the understanding and embodying this.
Openness to hear from new voices and accountability that is owed.
"Time for change is wider than it's ever been."
Recognition on being not racist vs being anti-racism is different, and moving the understanding and embodying this.
Openness to hear from new voices and accountability that is owed.
Kris @WeyktKris:
The risk of this work is not listening to the wisdom that indigenous communities hold. We also need to listen to the territory and the land.
COVID-19 has allowed people see how a bunch of rules can be broken and how much money can moved, quickly.
#REJPFS
The risk of this work is not listening to the wisdom that indigenous communities hold. We also need to listen to the territory and the land.
COVID-19 has allowed people see how a bunch of rules can be broken and how much money can moved, quickly.
#REJPFS
Kris Archie @WeyktKris:
To see that there is so much funding and support being moved to COVID-19 response is heartening but we as the philanthropic sector still do not have the relations to equity seeking communities, which will perpetuates the harm.
#REJPFS
To see that there is so much funding and support being moved to COVID-19 response is heartening but we as the philanthropic sector still do not have the relations to equity seeking communities, which will perpetuates the harm.
#REJPFS
Kris Archie @WeyktKris:
This summit was gathered with relations that the organizing team already had. Those who they know can be near this fire (of doing the work) and hold that fire (holding the discomfort).
This summit was gathered with relations that the organizing team already had. Those who they know can be near this fire (of doing the work) and hold that fire (holding the discomfort).
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers of Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity(PRE):
SO many of us putting out statements lately. First around COVID, now with George Floyd. For those who haven’t spoken up about this before, that is a step. (Invitation to continue to take action.)
SO many of us putting out statements lately. First around COVID, now with George Floyd. For those who haven’t spoken up about this before, that is a step. (Invitation to continue to take action.)
But for those who have already been doing this work, there is a space you could be moving even further.
We need to have a clear assessment of where we are as insitutions/orgs, individuals. it is about the movement, the work that you will do to move to the next place.
#REJPFS
We need to have a clear assessment of where we are as insitutions/orgs, individuals. it is about the movement, the work that you will do to move to the next place.
#REJPFS
Lori Villarosa @RJGrantmakers:
The more you know, the more you realize what you don't know. The less you know, the better you think you are doing than actually doing.
The more you know, the more you realize what you don't know. The less you know, the better you think you are doing than actually doing.
Kris Archie @WeyktKris
The urgency is needing to take action is not that we need more information (studies) to understand the proble/issue but it is the urgency is because people are dying.
It is about the change that we all must take towards action.
#REJPFS
The urgency is needing to take action is not that we need more information (studies) to understand the proble/issue but it is the urgency is because people are dying.
It is about the change that we all must take towards action.
#REJPFS
Next question on points of resistance in racial equity and racial justice work in philanthropy:
Sara Lyons @Saralyons41: there continues paralysis around what concrete steps look like around racial equity and racial justice work.
#REJPFS
Sara Lyons @Saralyons41: there continues paralysis around what concrete steps look like around racial equity and racial justice work.
#REJPFS
Paulette Senior @PauletteSenior1:
Want to acknowledge that we can now say anti-racism, racism, anti-Black racism without repercussion. This was not possible 2,3, 5 years ago.
Warns that while we can say Racism so easily now, we have to reflect on what has actually changed?
Want to acknowledge that we can now say anti-racism, racism, anti-Black racism without repercussion. This was not possible 2,3, 5 years ago.
Warns that while we can say Racism so easily now, we have to reflect on what has actually changed?
We have to use these terms WHILE doing this work, and not just generalization it, and overlook and decentre who is harmed by these structures.
We also have work to address the silent here in Canada.
“Silence can be deafening, results can be deadly.”
“Silence is Violence”
We also have work to address the silent here in Canada.
“Silence can be deafening, results can be deadly.”
“Silence is Violence”
Kris @WeyktKris with next question to Sara Lyons@saralyons41 on her personal experiences of power being shifted away from whiteness.
Recognize positional power and privilege as a white person, where people assumed that she has the most knowledge in the room.
#REJPFS
Recognize positional power and privilege as a white person, where people assumed that she has the most knowledge in the room.
#REJPFS
Sara Lyons @saralyons41:
The feeling of ‘unimportant’ and decentred. How she's not the person to sign off on things, not being turned to as the expert, etc. It is both a physical and emotional reaction.
States that how rare it is that she has this experience.
#REJPFS
The feeling of ‘unimportant’ and decentred. How she's not the person to sign off on things, not being turned to as the expert, etc. It is both a physical and emotional reaction.
States that how rare it is that she has this experience.
#REJPFS
Sara Lyons @saralyons41:
This power and privilege of whiteness is 99% confirmed by the design of the space, how conveners and organizers treat me, and who ultimately decides what happens next.
It is about using power (granted by white society) to create space for IBPOC power.
This power and privilege of whiteness is 99% confirmed by the design of the space, how conveners and organizers treat me, and who ultimately decides what happens next.
It is about using power (granted by white society) to create space for IBPOC power.
Kris @WeyktKris in responding to Sara's reflections, shares concept of settler collecting where settlers can do the work to make space for IBPOCs.
quick google for more reading on settler collecting and how to do it: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/after-colten-boushie-where-do-we-go-from-here-1.4535052/settlercollector-hashtag-helps-redirect-racist-attacks-on-social-media-1.4537594
#REJPFS
quick google for more reading on settler collecting and how to do it: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/after-colten-boushie-where-do-we-go-from-here-1.4535052/settlercollector-hashtag-helps-redirect-racist-attacks-on-social-media-1.4537594
#REJPFS
(I missed some of the closing remarks, apologies.)
My tweets are not live anymore, more so a 10ish minute of delay as the the discussions are true gifts where I'm finding myself take notes on the side to repackage them for twitter.
We are now on lunch break. Back at 1pm. #REJPFS
My tweets are not live anymore, more so a 10ish minute of delay as the the discussions are true gifts where I'm finding myself take notes on the side to repackage them for twitter.
We are now on lunch break. Back at 1pm. #REJPFS
For those tweeting from #REJPFS, I created this spreadsheet of all the speakers, orgs and their twitter handles (the ones I could find!). Let me know if I missed any and or any errors you catch.
Thanks! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k45ghrjXtKc7U22EAFtphCpd_djWbGcPzEMX1ghaH_Q/edit#gid=1324262704
Thanks! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k45ghrjXtKc7U22EAFtphCpd_djWbGcPzEMX1ghaH_Q/edit#gid=1324262704
Afternoon schedule:
Update on the focus of the Afternoon Plenary: Daylighting.
"Philanthropy needs to meet this moment. The time for doing the important work of our own education and name anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, in order to support liberation for all, is now."
Update on the focus of the Afternoon Plenary: Daylighting.
"Philanthropy needs to meet this moment. The time for doing the important work of our own education and name anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, in order to support liberation for all, is now."
For more #REJPFS tweeps:
@Jen_Newsted, @jesshousty, @DorlaT17, @jdeancoffey, @stranger_nat, @sarahejewell, @LizSimmie, @TrilbySmith, @contactgifford, @MelsyTweets, @mervushka
@VancouverFdn, @4rsYouth.
@Jen_Newsted, @jesshousty, @DorlaT17, @jdeancoffey, @stranger_nat, @sarahejewell, @LizSimmie, @TrilbySmith, @contactgifford, @MelsyTweets, @mervushka
@VancouverFdn, @4rsYouth.
Tiaré Jung @tiarejung reconvenes the summit by sharing their graphic faciliatation of the morning. Tiaré also shares their own reflections on what they heard from the earlier sessions - on postionality, various forms of labour, friends, community members. Time to act. #REJPFS
Answering the Grace Lee Bogg's quote/question: "What time is it on the clock of the world?" in the context of Canadian philanthropy?
For Tiaré: it is time for global solidarity.
For Tiaré: it is time for global solidarity.
Vi Nguyen @digmydiaspora of @VancouverFdn @level_vf starts the afternoon session - Daylighting.
Introduces Dorla Tune @DorlaT17 facilitator of pre-summit session "Shifting Structures in Black Philanthrophy",
and Djaka Blais-Amare @juzzcurious of @CalgFoundation
#REJPFS
Introduces Dorla Tune @DorlaT17 facilitator of pre-summit session "Shifting Structures in Black Philanthrophy",
and Djaka Blais-Amare @juzzcurious of @CalgFoundation
#REJPFS
Dorla @DorlaT17 asks that this graphic by Ariana Contreras who graphic recorded the session be shared widely.
Dorla wanted participants to focus on the left side of the graphic, discussing what hinders their work.
#REJPFS
Dorla wanted participants to focus on the left side of the graphic, discussing what hinders their work.
#REJPFS
Doral Tune @DorlaT17:
Recognize the enormous amount of labour that being the sole Black person in an organization entails.
We/this person needs need to take on the racial justice conversation and work because if we don’t speak up, there is the assumption that everything is fine.
Recognize the enormous amount of labour that being the sole Black person in an organization entails.
We/this person needs need to take on the racial justice conversation and work because if we don’t speak up, there is the assumption that everything is fine.
The group that convened Shifting Structures in Black Philanthropy drafted a list of 12 calls to action.
(I will get this list and follow up)
Themes around capacity, being on the ground/in community, leadership programs for IBPOCs, data to make informed racial equity decisions.
(I will get this list and follow up)
Themes around capacity, being on the ground/in community, leadership programs for IBPOCs, data to make informed racial equity decisions.
Djaka Blais-Amare @juzzcurious:
First time that she heard of such a gathering of Black professionals in this sector.
There was a sense of ease in connecting with this group because all individuals have been doing this work already within their own professional & personal lives.
First time that she heard of such a gathering of Black professionals in this sector.
There was a sense of ease in connecting with this group because all individuals have been doing this work already within their own professional & personal lives.
Vi Nguyen @digmydiaspora invites Kris Archie @WeyktKris to join the discussion.
Vi asks off of the theme of Daylighting: What is being seen, what is not being seen. Also, the being the (only) one IBPOC in these spaces.
Vi asks off of the theme of Daylighting: What is being seen, what is not being seen. Also, the being the (only) one IBPOC in these spaces.
Dorla @DorlaT17:
It feels like a photo-op for the organization. We are not talking about large scale recognition of complete, whole stories that is needed that is beyond just one person.
They do not see the solutions that fall outside of the standard textbook that we are taught.
It feels like a photo-op for the organization. We are not talking about large scale recognition of complete, whole stories that is needed that is beyond just one person.
They do not see the solutions that fall outside of the standard textbook that we are taught.
Kris @WeyktKris:
My presence being that one person can be seen as agreement. My body is giving credibility and lending (good) reputation to the organization. Allows the org to apply their good intention publicly.
Problematic in how it is: "look! we have a… fill-in a blank”
My presence being that one person can be seen as agreement. My body is giving credibility and lending (good) reputation to the organization. Allows the org to apply their good intention publicly.
Problematic in how it is: "look! we have a… fill-in a blank”
Kris @WeyktKris: That weight of being seen, being complicit, and an acknowledge of how harmful it is being in that space.
Djaka Blais-Amare @juzzcurious:
Direction is often by donors, and the need of donors. Recalls that call to action 11 from Shifting Structures in Black Philanthropy: shifting IBPOC communities from receipts of funds to active contributors.
#REJPFS
Direction is often by donors, and the need of donors. Recalls that call to action 11 from Shifting Structures in Black Philanthropy: shifting IBPOC communities from receipts of funds to active contributors.
#REJPFS
Djaka @juzzcurious:
There is a high level of conformity that is required to fit into these spaces that. You don’t realize how much you have been doing to fit into this space.
People see: Angry Black person in a space
What they are not seeing: the White fragility thats day to day
There is a high level of conformity that is required to fit into these spaces that. You don’t realize how much you have been doing to fit into this space.
People see: Angry Black person in a space
What they are not seeing: the White fragility thats day to day
Kris @WeyktKris:
Shares reflections on making spaces for others w/in these spaces. Also calls on funders to fund IBPOC led organizations.
"When we can step into our full leadership,is when we can supports others in a bigger and different ways. This is a tough position to be in."
Shares reflections on making spaces for others w/in these spaces. Also calls on funders to fund IBPOC led organizations.
"When we can step into our full leadership,is when we can supports others in a bigger and different ways. This is a tough position to be in."
Dorla @DorlaT17:
Conversations of do you stay or do you go is constant. Shares a common story of how IBPOCs play into expectations of those in power. Do we have license to be ourselves?
Having to change our approach to fit in and impacts our safety. Our safety is not here.
Conversations of do you stay or do you go is constant. Shares a common story of how IBPOCs play into expectations of those in power. Do we have license to be ourselves?
Having to change our approach to fit in and impacts our safety. Our safety is not here.
Djaka @juzzcurious:
Fortunate to have mentors. Sees the toll on these mentors working in the sector. See that there is value the quiet, ongoing work.
Vi: Thanks for the reminder that leadership comes in different forms.
#REJPFS
Fortunate to have mentors. Sees the toll on these mentors working in the sector. See that there is value the quiet, ongoing work.
Vi: Thanks for the reminder that leadership comes in different forms.
#REJPFS
Vi: asks participants to share how many Black or Indigenous colleagues you have in your org? (share in the #REJPFS @pathable chat or on twitter).
Then ask why this is the case. If zero/one, ask why there are so few Black or Indigenous colleagues and leaders in your org.
Then ask why this is the case. If zero/one, ask why there are so few Black or Indigenous colleagues and leaders in your org.
Now a quick break before concurrent sessions.
I'll be joining the "Governance Re-Imagined" session moderated by Mark Gifford @contactgifford of the Real Estate Foundation of BC @REFBC.
I'll be joining the "Governance Re-Imagined" session moderated by Mark Gifford @contactgifford of the Real Estate Foundation of BC @REFBC.
Panelists:
Yanique Redwood @chfprez of Consumer Health Foundation,
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums, Hanifa Kassam of Laidlaw Foundation @laidlawfdn, Tim Fox @timothycfox of Calgary Foundation @CalgFoundation
with Adriana Contreras graphic recording the session.
#REJPFS
Yanique Redwood @chfprez of Consumer Health Foundation,
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums, Hanifa Kassam of Laidlaw Foundation @laidlawfdn, Tim Fox @timothycfox of Calgary Foundation @CalgFoundation
with Adriana Contreras graphic recording the session.
#REJPFS
Panelists coming from across the continent. Yanique Redwood @chfprez joins us from Washington DC area*, Hanifa Kassam from Toronto*, Tim Fox @timothycfox from Calgary*, Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums, @SFUDialogue fellow, from Squamish lands (Vancouver).
*see next tweet
*see next tweet
*(Apologies that I do not have territory and treaty names immediately. Please use https://native-land.ca/ as a starting resource to find out more where people are located.)
Mark Gifford @contactgifford asks the panelists what brings you to this work?
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
Started with Cindy Blackstock to bring about equity for indigenous children as compared to Canadian children in terms of support and funding.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Blackstock
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
Started with Cindy Blackstock to bring about equity for indigenous children as compared to Canadian children in terms of support and funding.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Blackstock
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
And reflections and experiences as a board member in philanthropic sector, including with @InspiritFdn.
Sector is quite new in terms of funding Indigenous communities and finds that there is not enough alignment and investment.
And reflections and experiences as a board member in philanthropic sector, including with @InspiritFdn.
Sector is quite new in terms of funding Indigenous communities and finds that there is not enough alignment and investment.
Yanique Redwood @chfprez
Learned in school about how Black men, while being told they were being treated syphilis, was actually just being used to study the progression of the disease.
realizing that health cannot be achieved without elimination racialized capitalism.
#REJPFS
Learned in school about how Black men, while being told they were being treated syphilis, was actually just being used to study the progression of the disease.
realizing that health cannot be achieved without elimination racialized capitalism.
#REJPFS
Yanique Redwood @chfprez
Racialized capitalism has profited for so many years off of Black lives and continues to this day.
We need folks who experience frontline issues on boards and leadership positions.
Racialized capitalism has profited for so many years off of Black lives and continues to this day.
We need folks who experience frontline issues on boards and leadership positions.
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Truth-telling needs to be imbedded into the fabric of the foundation. It is not enough to pick one of the 94 (Truth and Reconciliation )calls to action to work on. We have to shift the culture at the organization.
http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
Truth-telling needs to be imbedded into the fabric of the foundation. It is not enough to pick one of the 94 (Truth and Reconciliation )calls to action to work on. We have to shift the culture at the organization.
http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Culture is built off of power and privilege. Decisions are often based on Deficit Statistics. We need to understand why these Deficit Statistics exist and focus our efforts in addressing the conditions that create theses Deficit Statistics.
#REJPFS
Culture is built off of power and privilege. Decisions are often based on Deficit Statistics. We need to understand why these Deficit Statistics exist and focus our efforts in addressing the conditions that create theses Deficit Statistics.
#REJPFS
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Innovation is drawing from our history and past experience for contemporary times. COVID-19 response, this work has been happening all this time. For indigenous communities, we’ve been going through this since first contact.
Innovation is drawing from our history and past experience for contemporary times. COVID-19 response, this work has been happening all this time. For indigenous communities, we’ve been going through this since first contact.
Hanifa Kassam:
Wants more honesty and truth at the board table.
How do we build in sustainable and equitable practice so that this space is welcoming of diverse opinions. Challenge as way of opportunity vs echo chamber that reinforce the existing ways of thinking & practice.
Wants more honesty and truth at the board table.
How do we build in sustainable and equitable practice so that this space is welcoming of diverse opinions. Challenge as way of opportunity vs echo chamber that reinforce the existing ways of thinking & practice.
Mark Gifford @contactgifford asks what needs to change at the board level for philanthropic organizations:
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Changing culture by looking at the intangible collective things, which is part of relationship building that is often missing.
#REJPFS
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Changing culture by looking at the intangible collective things, which is part of relationship building that is often missing.
#REJPFS
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Change means creating a culture of understanding. For example, knowing and understanding that not one IBPOC represents the entirety of their identity, how we see and understand deficit statistics as the conditions that lead to this deficits.
Change means creating a culture of understanding. For example, knowing and understanding that not one IBPOC represents the entirety of their identity, how we see and understand deficit statistics as the conditions that lead to this deficits.
Hanifa Kassam:
The work to change governance and institutional culture is ongoing work. Culture change is limited by:
- current board members lacking the proximity and/direct experience of the communities it serves
- IBPOCS taking time to educate board members in proving “need”
The work to change governance and institutional culture is ongoing work. Culture change is limited by:
- current board members lacking the proximity and/direct experience of the communities it serves
- IBPOCS taking time to educate board members in proving “need”
Ginger @Skusgluums:
It is easy to focus on the problems and deficits. Need to shift towards experiencing what hopes and aspirations looks like for communities we fund.
Further, how these hopes and aspirations looks different from mainstream society is a challenge.
It is easy to focus on the problems and deficits. Need to shift towards experiencing what hopes and aspirations looks like for communities we fund.
Further, how these hopes and aspirations looks different from mainstream society is a challenge.
Ginger @Skusgluums:
Step away from thinking that ‘offering charity' is the work/is enough. It should be more actively supporting community empowerment. "Work with us to enhance capacity and increase empowerment"
We are still stuck in the problems-deficit-charity framing.
Step away from thinking that ‘offering charity' is the work/is enough. It should be more actively supporting community empowerment. "Work with us to enhance capacity and increase empowerment"
We are still stuck in the problems-deficit-charity framing.
Yanique @chfprez:
Speaks about Double Consciousness / code switching/ edge walking that is defined by whiteness. This is exhausting to do this daily. Why do board (and organizations by extension) hold and reinforce this 'professional' culture?
#REJPFS
Speaks about Double Consciousness / code switching/ edge walking that is defined by whiteness. This is exhausting to do this daily. Why do board (and organizations by extension) hold and reinforce this 'professional' culture?
#REJPFS
Yanique @chfprez:
When board members talk before a board meeting about their $10,000 vacation, how marginalizing does this make folks feel? Same with how we dress, etc. People can't be themselves in these spaces without feeling marginalized.
When board members talk before a board meeting about their $10,000 vacation, how marginalizing does this make folks feel? Same with how we dress, etc. People can't be themselves in these spaces without feeling marginalized.
Audience Q re: "distinction we tend to make between lived experience and the experience that makes someone a valuable board member".
Tim @timothycfox:
We need to start dispelling the myth &perception that people with lived experienced do not have the qualifications or expertise.
Tim @timothycfox:
We need to start dispelling the myth &perception that people with lived experienced do not have the qualifications or expertise.
Yanique @chfprez:
Everyone flounders for the first couple of years when joining the board.
There are tools and questions on how to think differently about boards.
Hanifa: There are tons of resources out there on how to challenge your institution.
Everyone flounders for the first couple of years when joining the board.
There are tools and questions on how to think differently about boards.
Hanifa: There are tons of resources out there on how to challenge your institution.
Mark Gifford @contactgifford: There is a notion that diversity is the end point with the assumption that having diversity on the board is the organization's racial justice and equity work. Is this it?
#REJPFS
#REJPFS
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
We have not talked about allies and allyship. Questions common usage of the term and what people think allyship entails.
For Ginger, allies are ones that have actually spent time in community, and on the ground working with community.
#REJPFS
We have not talked about allies and allyship. Questions common usage of the term and what people think allyship entails.
For Ginger, allies are ones that have actually spent time in community, and on the ground working with community.
#REJPFS
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
Have noticed how folks who often get recruited into position in mainstream systems are from the Model Minority, those coming from certain privilege and won't rock the boat. 'In our circles, we have "Fancy Natives"'.
Have noticed how folks who often get recruited into position in mainstream systems are from the Model Minority, those coming from certain privilege and won't rock the boat. 'In our circles, we have "Fancy Natives"'.
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
There is fear in connecting with communities that we are intending to fund and work with. These are difficult and awkward conversations. Takes bravery and courage to start having these conversations. There will be many things you don't know.
There is fear in connecting with communities that we are intending to fund and work with. These are difficult and awkward conversations. Takes bravery and courage to start having these conversations. There will be many things you don't know.
Yanique @chfprez:
Believes that compensation for being on a board is a form of equity that can explored. This compensation is not for all board members, and as a way to support participation.
Currently testing a $10,000/year model.
Believes that compensation for being on a board is a form of equity that can explored. This compensation is not for all board members, and as a way to support participation.
Currently testing a $10,000/year model.
Tim Fox @timothycfox:
Land acknowledgement needs to move beyond just this rote activity that is expected. Land acknowledgements is actually about relationship building. It becomes more personal and a more genuine part of your work when you learn more about the land you are on.
Land acknowledgement needs to move beyond just this rote activity that is expected. Land acknowledgements is actually about relationship building. It becomes more personal and a more genuine part of your work when you learn more about the land you are on.
Closing thoughts on the session Governance Re-Imagined.
Yanique Redwood @chfprez:
Some relationships will have to be let go for this change to actually happen. This must happen, despite emotions around it.
#REJPFS
Yanique Redwood @chfprez:
Some relationships will have to be let go for this change to actually happen. This must happen, despite emotions around it.
#REJPFS
Ginger Gosnell-Myers @Skusgluums:
All this time, still have only seen a few Indigenous people hired into foundations, especially for decision making positions. It seems like it doesn't matter what skills they have. This needs to change.
All this time, still have only seen a few Indigenous people hired into foundations, especially for decision making positions. It seems like it doesn't matter what skills they have. This needs to change.
Tim Fox @timothycfox + Hanifa Kassam:
If this conversation is uncomfortable, practice talking about it more and bring it to the board level. Take time and effort to do some work.
If this conversation is uncomfortable, practice talking about it more and bring it to the board level. Take time and effort to do some work.
Kris Archie @WeyktKris closing the first day of #REJPFS with reflection activities. There is space in the participant workgroup to jot thoughts down.
Also, a strong encouragement to take rest as these conversations are emotionally ^mentally challenging, physical impacts too.
Also, a strong encouragement to take rest as these conversations are emotionally ^mentally challenging, physical impacts too.
Kris wants us to recognize how labour often falls on IBPOC women, including young IBPOC women. Takes opportunity to show gratitude for:
Abeer Yusuf @aboutabeer of @level_vf
Joey Cheung of @level_vf
Shereen Munshi @ShereenMunshi of @TheCircleCanada.
(THANK YOU!)
Abeer Yusuf @aboutabeer of @level_vf
Joey Cheung of @level_vf
Shereen Munshi @ShereenMunshi of @TheCircleCanada.
(THANK YOU!)
And that's a wrap for the first day of the Racial Equity and Justice in Philanthropy Funders' Summit, co-organized by @TheCircleCanada @VancouverFdn @level_vf @refbc.
I'm live-tweeting again tomorrow.
Thanks for following along and joining us on this learning journey. #REJPFS
I'm live-tweeting again tomorrow.
Thanks for following along and joining us on this learning journey. #REJPFS
Live tweet thread from one of the other Concurrent sessions: Advancing Racial Justice and Equity Across Your Portfolio by @Jen_Newsted https://twitter.com/Jen_Newsted/status/1275532681053233152
