** This session is designed for CEOs and Senior Leadership of Programs only. **
Forces in America have launched attacks on the fundamental American values of diversity, equity and inclusion. They have weaponized the term, “DEI” and used it to systematically undermine the institutions that Americans have long relied upon, both to advance on a pathway to success and to advance the reality of an inclusive multi-racial democracy. Philanthropy, which provides so much essential funding; corporate America, which creates jobs and pipelines to the middle class; higher education, which opens the doors to opportunity; and government agencies that provide both necessary services and quality employment—all institutions that are now at risk of being hollowed out. The civil rights and progressive ecosystem is deeply engaged in the fight to protect diversity equity and inclusion, but there are meaningful gaps in what they are willing and able to do. Grassroots organizing, sign-on letters, litigation, and lobbying are all necessary, but not sufficient in this moment.
Join us for a strategic briefing that will provide an in-depth overview of the current DEI ecosystem—highlighting what has been built so far, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities that lie ahead. This session will create space for honest conversation, critical questions, and shared reflection on where we are, where we need to go, and how philanthropy can meaningfully engage in this moment. Participants will also have the opportunity to opt in to receive follow-up materials or explore ways to get more involved in advancing this work.
What will you learn?
Who is doing what with the respect to strategy and tactics in the work of protecting diversity, equity, and inclusion and of reimagining what comes next; we tend to divide the work and education about the work into four key parts:
- Co-Create America, to create the next evolutionary step in DEI, to take diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to the next level.
- Communications Tactics, conducting polling and messaging research in partnership, we identify topline messages and effective framing that resonate with key audiences
- Legal Tactics, empower institutions that are supportive of DEI by providing them with the tools and resources needed to sustain their commitments
- Advocacy, Advance affirmative DEI legislation and work to defeat anti-DEI bills in key states by building strong coalitions and advocacy strategies
Speakers
- Stacey Abrams, President and Founder, American Pride Rises
- Robert Raben, President and Founder, Raben
Who should attend?
All interested funders in CEO and Senior Leadership in Programs roles. What to expect: Presentation followed by Q&A
How do you sign up?
Members: Please log in and click the Register Now link above (no fee).
Registration is required by October 6th.
Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with questions or for further information on this program or on eligibility.