Even though he is past the prime of his career, last night Jay Leno came back to NBC with a new prime-time show -- after his retirement from The Tonight Show. Leno is back, and he is right in successor Conan O'Brien's front yard.
As guest Jerry Seinfeld jokingly put it last night, "Back in the 1990s, when we retired, we actually left!"
As I watched this first episode of Jay Leno's second show, it occurred to me that this is indeed art copying life. All across America - in the nonprofit sector and beyond - Baby Boomers are increasingly retirement-challenged.
Some will have trouble exiting jobs due to serious economics challenges. This is real challenge that our society must address by strengthening our social safety net. In the nonprofit realm, which is my greatest concern, we must develop excellent ideas and systems to ensure that retirement from nonprofit careers is viable.
However, other Boomers will not step down even if they could. (Leno certainly doesn't need the cash.)
Unlike their predecessors, it seems, Boomers will forge the 'encore careers' discussed by Civic Ventures. These encore careers, it seems, will be preceded by encore premieres, and, one assumes, encore retirements at some point.
In contrast to Jay, when Johnny retired after his long-term commitment to The Tonight Show, he left with the dignity and finality of the Greatest Generation.
Of course, Jay still has plenty of humor and ideas to contribute to our weeknights, and he can probably make NBC a good little profit. There is no reason he should stop being a productive comedian. In fact, I would think there is much that younger performers can learn from him and his cohort, as he learned from those who came before him.
The key question is: Do Boomers who "boomerang" back into the workforce have to do so in ways that directly compete with their successor generations? Can we find ways to compliment rather than directly compete with one another? Could we actually create new value together rather than cause economic conflict between the generations?
For Conan's sake, and for all of us, I sure hope so.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
CUNY Emerging Leaders International Fellowship
This morning I had a great, wide-r0aming conversation with the emerging leaders who are part of the CUNY Internshional Philanthropy Fellowship program. Every year this Fellowship draws very interesting and energetic young philanthropy people to NYC for 3 months of targeted research, seminars, and more. Generally five are international and one is from the US.Check it out here:
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Philanthropy is Love Made Visible: EPIP Sets the Tone for Next Generation Grantmakers
Rusty Stahl outlined four goals for the pre-conference: training on the "soft skills" required for grantmaking, cutting-edge workshops, inter-generational dialogue and career support for the next generation of grantmakers. The opening plenary set the tone for the day and lifted up several themes exploring the kind of leadership we need to move philanthropy forward in the future.
Kathy Merchant, President of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation spoke to the group about her experience in nonprofits and philanthropy. Kathy said: "I wish I had had a next generation network like EPIP when I started out in my career. I hadn't even heard of the word 'philanthropy'." She lifted up the idea that place matters in philanthropy, that it has to be all about the community. Kathy reminded us that we should think about the "shape of things to come." The fact is that yesterday's strategies and structures won't be sufficient to address the new challenges facing us today. She urged the group to unleash our creative energy and passion to help the field progress. See a short video clip of Kathy's remarks below:
Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Council of Foundations Board Chair, also gave opening remarks. Ralph remarked how the EPIP next generation pre-conference had trumped the boundaries of geography, focus, and role. Attendees were not defining themselves by community foundations, family foundations small/large foundations, etc. Ralph said: "We have managed to install so many fences and so many boundaries, it is difficult for us to acheive our full potential in creating a field that can, in fact, find solutions to the challenges of our time." This quest for inter-generational learning might help us practice skills on transgressing the boundaries that keep us apart, trap us in "what we already know", and confine our imagination to "the possible." Ralph reminded us that the boundaries we see in philanthropy are not natural, and are not inherent. And whether they remain depends on our courage to develop the habits to move across those boundaries to become a collective, powerful force for change and for good. See a short video clip of Ralph's remarks below:
The table discussions afterward focused on ways to move beyond these unnatural constructs of philanthropy. What kind of reflective practice do next generation leaders need to have to find out how we can help remove those boundaries in our own philanthropic work? One of the dynamic ladies of color sitting next to me was Naomi Christine Leapheart (on Twitter @nachristine) who shared this powerful thought that stuck with me the entire day:
Good philanthropy is less about technical expertise than about that "something else." Part of it is creativity, partly boundary-crossing, partly your own life experiences. We, fundamentally, already have what we need to do this work. Philanthropy is really just about expressing our love for the community.Jason Franklin, Deputy Director at 21st Century School Fund and board member at Resource Generation shared a good takeaway as well:
Young people have the freedom of not knowing what we "shouldn't" do, so we can freely imagine what's possible.Everyone here seems so thoughtful about doing this work. Any Baby Boomer foundation executive in that room would have no doubt that the next generation is just as committed to the field and study of philanthropy as their older counterparts. It's so inspiring just to be here with all of these folks! I can say that just from today I'm even more fired up about doing my part to advance social justice through promoting the leadership of the next generation.
Cross-posted by Rosetta Thurman, blogging about nonprofits, leadership, and social change at www.rosettathurman.com. You can follow along with the entire Council on Foundations 2009 Annual Conference on Twitter using the search hashtag #cof09. Also check out Trista Harris' blog New Voices in Philanthropy for updates.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Pre-Conference Review
I felt, re-energized, inspired, reflective, and connected after the EPIP Pre-Conference "Innovation and Legacy" on May 2nd and 3rd, in Atlanta, GA
Over the last year, my membership with EPIP has provided me with great resources and networks to support my work in the philanthropic community. The pre-conference demonstrated that EPIP offers more that supportive materials and great contacts; it is the progressive movement of the next generation leaders in philanthropy.
I recognized this at the Opening Session. There was a sea of young, fresh, and diverse foundation professionals from across the country ready to soak in this experience. At the start, one of the opening speakers, Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, challenged us to dismantle the boundaries we see in philanthropy. He said these boundaries are not natural or inherent. At that moment, it became apparent this conference was going to be different, it would be an event which challenged the status-quo and offered a variety of perspectives about our role as grantmakers.
Conference goers participated in plenary sessions with senior leaders from major foundations and workshops. I attended the workshop on Social Justice Philanthropy, what EPIP has copyrighted as "Philanthropology." I could have spent the entire weekend in this session! Kalpana Krishnamurthy led the workshop with energy, passion, and a deep understanding of the complex nature of social justice philanthropy. Her interactive workshop allowed attendees to identify and discuss what social justice philanthropy is and why it’s necessary. We engaged in debate exercises, such as a whether the RFP process is compatible with principles of social justice philanthropy and role-playing scenarios that presented the multi-layer challenges of roles and responsibilities in the grantmaking process. Additionally, I couldn't help but notice that most people in the room had read NCRP's "Criteria for Philanthropy at its Best."
Sunday started early with Emerging Leader Salons. While many in room looked a bit tired from Saturday night, we were all quickly energized by the Panel Discussion with Executives Leaders: Lynn Huntley (Southern Education Foundation), Kathyrn Merchant (Greater Cincinnati Foundation), Ralph Smith (Annie E. Casey Foundation), and my executive director at Southern Partners Fund, Janine Lee. Each leader shared their summarized personal journey to philanthropy with the group. It struck me that none of the panelists had started their careers in the non-profit sector, yet all of them did want to contribute to the common good. Although, as stated by Kathryn Merchant, there wasn't the presence of the philanthropic sector that there is now. I couldn't helped but wonder how associations like EPIP, other affinity groups, and membership organizations will impact the progression and career tracks for young philanthropic leaders. Will all of these incredible resources and networks keep us connected in the field for the next 20-30 years? And how will this impact grantmaking? Good thing the breakout sessions that followed the panel discussion provided an opportunity for EPIPers to discuss these and other questions on their mind with one or two of the senior foundation leaders. I have to say I think this was one of the most beneficial and valuable parts of the entire pre-conference.
As we moved into the afternoon sessions on Sunday, once again EPIP had prepared thoughtful and innovative workshops to attend. The first workshop I attended was “Foundations and Public Policy” with presenters Elenore (Nellie)Garton, Senior Researcher at the Sillerman Center at Brandeis University, and Jason Franklin, Lecturer at the Wagner School at NYU. The workshop focused on how foundations can increase their impact by supporting their grantees efforts in the public sector. Nellie and Jason offered attendees strategies and real examples of ways foundations can be more strategic in their grantmaking by acting as a conduit between community needs and public action.
The final session I attended was “A Mile in my Shoes: Next Generation Dialogues on Race, Class, Money, and Power in Philanthropy.” I’m still processing all of my thoughts from this session that was transformative both professionally and personally. In this authentic workshop, presenters Milano Harden, President of The Genius Group, Inc., and Chad Jones, with Resource Generation, were able to get attendees to go deep within themselves and be real about thoughts and feelings on their experiences in philanthropy.
The pre-conference came to an end at the closing plenary. Unfortunately, by the time I left the previous workshop, took a quick pit-stop at the restroom and found room L504, I had missed Steve Gunderson’s words to the group. However, I was able to partake in the closing group reflection on the last 2 days. I truly was inspired by my colleagues’ sentiments and felt empowered to know that all of these individuals shared a vision on the values and future for philanthropy. Thanks much to the entire EPIP team, all of the presenters and moderators, and my fellow next gens for an incredible and rejuvenating experience.
Over the last year, my membership with EPIP has provided me with great resources and networks to support my work in the philanthropic community. The pre-conference demonstrated that EPIP offers more that supportive materials and great contacts; it is the progressive movement of the next generation leaders in philanthropy.
I recognized this at the Opening Session. There was a sea of young, fresh, and diverse foundation professionals from across the country ready to soak in this experience. At the start, one of the opening speakers, Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, challenged us to dismantle the boundaries we see in philanthropy. He said these boundaries are not natural or inherent. At that moment, it became apparent this conference was going to be different, it would be an event which challenged the status-quo and offered a variety of perspectives about our role as grantmakers.
Conference goers participated in plenary sessions with senior leaders from major foundations and workshops. I attended the workshop on Social Justice Philanthropy, what EPIP has copyrighted as "Philanthropology." I could have spent the entire weekend in this session! Kalpana Krishnamurthy led the workshop with energy, passion, and a deep understanding of the complex nature of social justice philanthropy. Her interactive workshop allowed attendees to identify and discuss what social justice philanthropy is and why it’s necessary. We engaged in debate exercises, such as a whether the RFP process is compatible with principles of social justice philanthropy and role-playing scenarios that presented the multi-layer challenges of roles and responsibilities in the grantmaking process. Additionally, I couldn't help but notice that most people in the room had read NCRP's "Criteria for Philanthropy at its Best."
Sunday started early with Emerging Leader Salons. While many in room looked a bit tired from Saturday night, we were all quickly energized by the Panel Discussion with Executives Leaders: Lynn Huntley (Southern Education Foundation), Kathyrn Merchant (Greater Cincinnati Foundation), Ralph Smith (Annie E. Casey Foundation), and my executive director at Southern Partners Fund, Janine Lee. Each leader shared their summarized personal journey to philanthropy with the group. It struck me that none of the panelists had started their careers in the non-profit sector, yet all of them did want to contribute to the common good. Although, as stated by Kathryn Merchant, there wasn't the presence of the philanthropic sector that there is now. I couldn't helped but wonder how associations like EPIP, other affinity groups, and membership organizations will impact the progression and career tracks for young philanthropic leaders. Will all of these incredible resources and networks keep us connected in the field for the next 20-30 years? And how will this impact grantmaking? Good thing the breakout sessions that followed the panel discussion provided an opportunity for EPIPers to discuss these and other questions on their mind with one or two of the senior foundation leaders. I have to say I think this was one of the most beneficial and valuable parts of the entire pre-conference.
As we moved into the afternoon sessions on Sunday, once again EPIP had prepared thoughtful and innovative workshops to attend. The first workshop I attended was “Foundations and Public Policy” with presenters Elenore (Nellie)Garton, Senior Researcher at the Sillerman Center at Brandeis University, and Jason Franklin, Lecturer at the Wagner School at NYU. The workshop focused on how foundations can increase their impact by supporting their grantees efforts in the public sector. Nellie and Jason offered attendees strategies and real examples of ways foundations can be more strategic in their grantmaking by acting as a conduit between community needs and public action.
The final session I attended was “A Mile in my Shoes: Next Generation Dialogues on Race, Class, Money, and Power in Philanthropy.” I’m still processing all of my thoughts from this session that was transformative both professionally and personally. In this authentic workshop, presenters Milano Harden, President of The Genius Group, Inc., and Chad Jones, with Resource Generation, were able to get attendees to go deep within themselves and be real about thoughts and feelings on their experiences in philanthropy.
The pre-conference came to an end at the closing plenary. Unfortunately, by the time I left the previous workshop, took a quick pit-stop at the restroom and found room L504, I had missed Steve Gunderson’s words to the group. However, I was able to partake in the closing group reflection on the last 2 days. I truly was inspired by my colleagues’ sentiments and felt empowered to know that all of these individuals shared a vision on the values and future for philanthropy. Thanks much to the entire EPIP team, all of the presenters and moderators, and my fellow next gens for an incredible and rejuvenating experience.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Innovation and Legacy - Focusing on Soft-Skills - Plus Lots of other Goodies!
This weekend EPIP will hold two days of intensive skills-training for the next generation before the COF Annual Conference. Putting on programs and increasing the visibility of the next generation at this particular conference has been an important part of our annual work since 2001. This post offers some highlights of our event, and some context for why we are focused on "soft-skills."
Several people will be live-blogging and tweeting from the EPIP Pre-Conference - including Rosetta Thurman from Perspectives from the Pipeline, Trista Harris from New Voices of Philanthropy, and Kevin Lasokowski from Capital Epiphanies! I hope they will be cross-posting to this blog, and that you will find their reporting useful!
Instead of "bringing the next generation to the conference" and putting on workshops within the conference, we will hold our own cohesive mini-conference during the weekend before. This will be an intimate retreat emphasizing training in the soft-skills needed for philanthropic effectiveness.
While most trainings for foundation staffers focus on the hard-skills and practical procedures of grantmaking and measurement, EPIP believes that the soft underbelly of the "effectiveness" discourse in the field is also the silent ghost in the machine: the incredibly challenging power dynamics, politics and ethics of philanthropy, money and identity. That is why the workshops at our event take on thorny issues like role, race, intuition, listening, and justice.
One exciting workshop: James Allen Smith, Vice President at Rockefeller Archives Center, an amazing collection of historic records from various foundations and nonprofits, has created a special session just for EPIP using primary source films, documents and music from the Archives. This workshop will look at the dynamics of Northern private (and mostly white) philanthropy active in relations while funding education in the South in the early 20th Century. This workshop fits well with the themes and issues raised at this Atlanta conference.
We named our event "Innovation and Legacy: The Place of the Next Generation in Philanthropy." Although I don't think the title is grammatically correct (neither innovation or legacy is a place per se), it is a meaningful and relevant statement about our event (unlike the many conference theme statements that ring hollow). With an inter-generational cast of presenters, participants will both seek to understand recent history to inform their effortsat cutting-edge change.
We invited the premiere "grantmaker educators" (such as GrantCraft, The Grantmaking School) and our next generation partner groups (like Resource Generation and 21/64) to put on their own workshops. And we added our own Philanthropology workshop on social justice philanthropy, featuring EPIP trainer Kalpana Krishnamurthy.
Then we added a bunch of goodies!
- Like providing a significant number of scholarships to empower diverse emerging leaders to actually attend our training and, to a lesser extent, to attend the COF conference.
- Like bringing four senior leaders to dialogue with emerging leaders through a set of Emerging Leader Salons and a panel discussion.
- Like one-on-one career consultancies with leaders from Idealist.org and Commongood Careers.
- Like releasing "Wit and Wisdom: Unleashing the Philanthropic Imagination", the new book from EPIP by Mark D. Constantine, which features interviews with senior foundation leaders - many who are people of color - discussing race, equity and philanthropy. The book is being distributed to our Pre-Conference and Annual Conference participants. And it is available for free download on EPIP's website here.
- Like inviting the top leadership from COF to come speak with next generation leaders, in a sense bringing the conference to the next generation.
This is our follow-up from our work leading in the creation of a "Generational Leadership" track at the 2008 Leadership Summit, which was ranked one of the top three most popular tracks at that meeting. At the 2007 conference in Seattle, EPIP partnered with the Council to create "Emerging Leader Salons"-- semi-formal sessions each featuring frank and open dialogue with one senior leader. From 2001-2006, each year EPIP presented a concurrent session on our issues, and hold what became the annual Next Generation Reception. From that history, you can see that our work in this arena has been both continuous and also that it has evolved in exciting ways! I can't wait to see what we do in 2010!
Friday, March 27, 2009
West Coast EPIP staff tour
The EPIP Staff is on the road!
I am visiting EPIP's four West Coast local communities to re-connect with members, chapter leaders and other colleagues. I am joined on this trip by Sophia Silao, EPIP's Associate Director for 6 months now.
So far we've spent a couple days each in San Franciso and Seattle. In the Bay Area we sat down with an energetic group of emerging staff at the Tides Foundation -- one of EPIP's longtime institutional members. Tides Foundation is part of a collection of "Tides" groups. They all do interesting interesting work to aggregate resources for progressive philanthropy and nonprofits. If you don't know about them, be sure to check them out online at tides.org.
We also held our first West Coast EPIP Philanthropology© workshop yesterday. It was a day-long exploration of social justice principles, practices and politics inside foundations. Over 30 local funders and students attended -- plus one graduate student who flew in from out of state to participate! Many thanks to the EPIP Seattle local leadership for planning, Quixote Foundation for sponsorship, and the Evans Center at University of Washington for hosting!
I am visiting EPIP's four West Coast local communities to re-connect with members, chapter leaders and other colleagues. I am joined on this trip by Sophia Silao, EPIP's Associate Director for 6 months now.
So far we've spent a couple days each in San Franciso and Seattle. In the Bay Area we sat down with an energetic group of emerging staff at the Tides Foundation -- one of EPIP's longtime institutional members. Tides Foundation is part of a collection of "Tides" groups. They all do interesting interesting work to aggregate resources for progressive philanthropy and nonprofits. If you don't know about them, be sure to check them out online at tides.org.
We also held our first West Coast EPIP Philanthropology© workshop yesterday. It was a day-long exploration of social justice principles, practices and politics inside foundations. Over 30 local funders and students attended -- plus one graduate student who flew in from out of state to participate! Many thanks to the EPIP Seattle local leadership for planning, Quixote Foundation for sponsorship, and the Evans Center at University of Washington for hosting!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Two Observations
At a recent meeting, DC EPIP members discussed the difficulties of managing an organization like ours in a city like DC. As a group of under-fortysomethings, we're getting established in our careers, taking on new professional obligations, finishing college, entering graduate school, having families, and more. In short, we're busy, busy, unbelievably busy people. That's not to say that other generations aren't busy. I can only assume that it just gets worse.
Add to the mix the transience of DC professionals. People are constantly coming and going. New opportunities take us to different places and back again.
It's a fast-moving, fluctuating membership of emerging leaders going places. Obviously, it's going to be tough to bring those people together. So we tried to come up with a new way of looking at the situation and a way of dealing with it:
Observation #1: When a leader leaves, celebrate. That's what we call a victory. If EPIP is about networking and professional development for emerging leaders, when an emerging leader gets an opportunity to lead through a promotion or a new job elsewhere, that's a victory. Yeah, it's going to be tough losing that leader to new responsibilities, but the organization should anticipate that. EPIP has to anticipate - at the very least, believe - in the possibility of its own success.
Observation #2: Go in pairs - at least. That means redundancy has to be built into everything we do. It means the buddy system. If only one person is heading up a program or event, that program or event is one scheduling conflict, one promotion, one job away from not happening. The Third Thursday lunches have survived leadership transitions and more because several wonderful people have taken it on. When one can't make it, another steps up. It's like a phalanx of gracious hostesses - and I get great lunches and great conversations because they scout for restaurants and send an invitation every month.
We work as a team. We work in teams. If one of us moves out, up, or on, we can celebrate with them because there's someone else to take up the tasks tomorrow. If we don't do this, we watch what we build disappear with the builders.
--Cross-posted from Capital Epiphanies
Add to the mix the transience of DC professionals. People are constantly coming and going. New opportunities take us to different places and back again.
It's a fast-moving, fluctuating membership of emerging leaders going places. Obviously, it's going to be tough to bring those people together. So we tried to come up with a new way of looking at the situation and a way of dealing with it:
Observation #1: When a leader leaves, celebrate. That's what we call a victory. If EPIP is about networking and professional development for emerging leaders, when an emerging leader gets an opportunity to lead through a promotion or a new job elsewhere, that's a victory. Yeah, it's going to be tough losing that leader to new responsibilities, but the organization should anticipate that. EPIP has to anticipate - at the very least, believe - in the possibility of its own success.
Observation #2: Go in pairs - at least. That means redundancy has to be built into everything we do. It means the buddy system. If only one person is heading up a program or event, that program or event is one scheduling conflict, one promotion, one job away from not happening. The Third Thursday lunches have survived leadership transitions and more because several wonderful people have taken it on. When one can't make it, another steps up. It's like a phalanx of gracious hostesses - and I get great lunches and great conversations because they scout for restaurants and send an invitation every month.
We work as a team. We work in teams. If one of us moves out, up, or on, we can celebrate with them because there's someone else to take up the tasks tomorrow. If we don't do this, we watch what we build disappear with the builders.
--Cross-posted from Capital Epiphanies
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Good Question
Michael Seltzer contends that the "diversity" debate is not really about diversity but perhaps something greater:
What has transpired is an ongoing commitment by a group of large California foundations to address a key issue of our time -- the growing economic and social disparities affecting low-income and minority Americans, and the undercapitalized, community-based organizations that have been created in an attempt to make health care, education, and housing available and accessible to all Americans. The agreement struck by these California foundations invites the question: What would happen if all U.S. foundations agreed to put poverty alleviation and the elimination of economic and social disparities based on racial, ethnic, gender, and other differences on their agenda and allocated a portion of their grant dollars toward that end?
Since Mitch Nauffts says, "It's an excellent question -- and one that more foundations should be asking themselves," I'll take a stab at a response.
Indeed, what would happen if all U.S. foundations agreed to put poverty alleviation and the elimination of economic and social disparities based on racial, ethnic, gender, and other differences on their agenda and allocated a portion of their grant dollars toward that end?
Well, what would you call a contractual arrangement by which a portion of our collective resources are devoted to public ends? I could have sworn there were words for these things.
Kevin, I don't know about you, but that sounds a lot like taxes and, you know, like, a government.
Kevin, I think you're right.
***
I've noticed two broad critiques of the independent sector.
The first tends to come from the business sector. Nonprofits need to cut administrative costs, streamline processes, and pursue earned income strategies. They need to define goals, measure results, and determine impact. If we only applied lessons learned in the business world about how to run a successful organization, the nonprofit sector would be much more successful.
The second critique is that leveled by critics in the diversity debate. Certain populations are short-changed by philanthropy, a problem that would be alleviated if philanthropy committed to giving certain amounts to society's most vulnerable and if more members of these populations were included in philanthropic decisionmaking. Philanthropy should involve and represent the public it supposedly serves.
Basically, philanthropies should act more like businesses -- except when they should act more like our democratic government. Indeed, things would be so much better for everybody if the philanthropic sector acted more like the other sectors.
You know, I'm all for a more effective and accountable sector, but I think things would be so much better for everybody if we stopped asking philanthropy to do the work of the other sectors.
As if the other sectors are such exemplars! Since when are business and government in any position to criticize philanthropy?
Nonprofit should act like businesses? Which ones? Our airlines and our record companies whose failed business models are somehow my problem? Our insurance companies that make up the rules as they go along? Our nation's lenders who thought that making bad loans, repackaging that debt, and selling it to others was good business? We have businesses that deceive and bilk consumers, employees, and shareholders, and leave the American people to pick up the tab. I'm all for streamlining nonprofit practice, but God help us all if nonprofits act like some of today's businesses.
And don't get me started on the government. Regardless of your political affiliation, I think we can agree that American government has become by and large a spectator sport. We're entitled to an opinion every two years at most. It's government of, by, and for somebody else because it sure doesn't seem like it's of, by, and for anybody most of us know.
The reply to any Congressperson who dares question philanthropy's commitment to the poor and vulnerable in this country should be simple: what have you done lately? Seltzer imagines a philanthropic sector that puts "poverty alleviation and the elimination of economic and social disparities based on racial, ethnic, gender, and other differences on their agenda." Why not imagine a government that does that?
And there we get to the real issue: why are we turning to philanthropy for these things? Behind the desire for a more effective, accountable philanthropic sector is the desire for a more effective private sector, a more accountable public sector. But so alienated are we from the market and political forces that affect our lives, we hold philanthropy responsible. The diversity debate, as Seltzer says, really is more about "health care, education, and housing" than it is about diversity, but should we imagine foundations banding together to solve these problems?
What if more businesses banded together to develop sustainable energy technologies with the same creativity that some show in creating new ways to hide debt? What if more businesses created products that met real needs with the same energy some of them show in manufacturing fleeting wants?
What if members of both parties banded together to reforge a government that represented everyone? What if fighting poverty was back on their agenda?
What if the other sectors started pulling their own weight? What would philanthropy do then?
Because these are good questions, too, ones that more foundations should be asking themselves.
Monday, July 14, 2008
EPIP's Quarterly Newsletter
We have a list of ideas and updates to include that we generated in the national office - do you have an idea or an article that you would like to include? If so, post your comments here today!
Friday, June 27, 2008
"What's your vision of philanthropy...?"
At May's Council on Foundations Philanthropy Summit, next generation leaders gathered at a party no one at the Council had ever seen or expected: Philanthropy 2.0. Event sponsors 21/64, American Express, The Case Foundation, Changemakers, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, the Goldhirsh Foundation, the John and James L. Knight Foundation, Jewish Funders Network, Resource Generation, and the Third Wave Foundation, brilliantly transformed one of the Gaylord Hotel's meeting rooms into a club: DJ, lights, couches, bar, the whole deal. All around the room were tables introducing club-goers to important next generation leadership groups and computer kiosks featuring the latest online resources.
For a few hours, it was the unauthorized concurrent session I'd been waiting for - only with music. It was my new Resource Central - only with traffic. Maybe it's just that they had the bass turned up, but I could feel things shift ever so slightly under our feet. And at Resource Generation's area, I got to tell them where I thought things were shifting.
If you happened to stop by the Resource Generation table, you were asked, "What's your vision of philanthropy? What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?" You slashed your answer into a piece of paper and posed smiling for the waiting digital camera.
The folks at Resource Generation compiled the photos for Youtube here: Visions of Philanthropy: A Photo Project by Resource Generation (hey, who disabled the embed?).
That's my ugly mug with the sign that reads: "The Aristocracy of Everyone."
I pilfered the phrase from Benjamin Barber and his defense of public education as preparing young people for citizenship.
Philanthropy can sometimes seem like the last remnant of aristocracy. It's something other people - usually very rich people, their children, and close advisors - get to do.
Philanthropy is about privilege - but that privilege, the honor and joy of giving, can be shared. Philanthropy is about nobility - but the nobility belongs to anyone who donates time, talent, and treasure and, with his or her fellow citizens, helps create the world they want to live in. If philanthropy is an aristocracy, at least it's an "Aristocracy of Everyone."
"What's your vision of philanthropy?"
Send Mike at Resource Generation your own pictures or leave a note in the comments.
For a few hours, it was the unauthorized concurrent session I'd been waiting for - only with music. It was my new Resource Central - only with traffic. Maybe it's just that they had the bass turned up, but I could feel things shift ever so slightly under our feet. And at Resource Generation's area, I got to tell them where I thought things were shifting.
If you happened to stop by the Resource Generation table, you were asked, "What's your vision of philanthropy? What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?" You slashed your answer into a piece of paper and posed smiling for the waiting digital camera.
The folks at Resource Generation compiled the photos for Youtube here: Visions of Philanthropy: A Photo Project by Resource Generation (hey, who disabled the embed?).
That's my ugly mug with the sign that reads: "The Aristocracy of Everyone."
I pilfered the phrase from Benjamin Barber and his defense of public education as preparing young people for citizenship.
Philanthropy can sometimes seem like the last remnant of aristocracy. It's something other people - usually very rich people, their children, and close advisors - get to do.
Philanthropy is about privilege - but that privilege, the honor and joy of giving, can be shared. Philanthropy is about nobility - but the nobility belongs to anyone who donates time, talent, and treasure and, with his or her fellow citizens, helps create the world they want to live in. If philanthropy is an aristocracy, at least it's an "Aristocracy of Everyone."
"What's your vision of philanthropy?"
Send Mike at Resource Generation your own pictures or leave a note in the comments.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Saving the World in Study Hall, NY Times OpEd from Sunday
This OpEd piece by Nicholas Kristof was especially appropriate after last week's Council on Foundations' Summit. Kristof's blog highlights some options for student activist work. These topics are on my mind often these days not only because of the Summit (where EPIP really rocked the house), but as we head into the presidential elections, with Obama as a potential presidential nominee who recognizes the potential of the next generation of leaders.
**more on the millenials, the issues they face and how this manifests into their politics here.
This OpEd piece by Nicholas Kristof was especially appropriate after last week's Council on Foundations' Summit. Kristof's blog highlights some options for student activist work. These topics are on my mind often these days not only because of the Summit (where EPIP really rocked the house), but as we head into the presidential elections, with Obama as a potential presidential nominee who recognizes the potential of the next generation of leaders.
**more on the millenials, the issues they face and how this manifests into their politics here.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
EPIP and New Voices of Philanthropy have joint COF conference coverage. Check on some of the great posts covering the action.
Dispatches from the COF Conference by Trista Harris, New Voices of Philanthropy
Philanthropy 2.0 coverage by Brittany Buckingham, Gates Foundation
Leadership for the New Generation and What's in Your Mission? from Jasmine Hall Ratliff, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
A New Generation of Foundation CEOs by Athena Adkins, Travelers Foundation
I am Next Gen from Trista Harris, New Voices of Philanthropy
How Media Impacts Life Outcomes of Black Men and Boys by Tracey, Black Gives Back
Social Justice Philanthropy, Where is the Movement? from Melissa Johnson, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
Jollification in the Caribbean from Trista Harris, New Voices of Philanthropy
Dispatches from the COF Conference by Trista Harris, New Voices of Philanthropy
Philanthropy 2.0 coverage by Brittany Buckingham, Gates Foundation
Leadership for the New Generation and What's in Your Mission? from Jasmine Hall Ratliff, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
A New Generation of Foundation CEOs by Athena Adkins, Travelers Foundation
I am Next Gen from Trista Harris, New Voices of Philanthropy
How Media Impacts Life Outcomes of Black Men and Boys by Tracey, Black Gives Back
Social Justice Philanthropy, Where is the Movement? from Melissa Johnson, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
Jollification in the Caribbean from Trista Harris, New Voices of Philanthropy
Monday, May 05, 2008
Live from Philanthropy 2.0...
with Nora Burton, Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation
and winner of $20 Good Card for Network for Good, soon to be going to PAWS!
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
I got a Next Generation Scholarship to come here. I'm staying in somebody else's room to be here. I just feel really supported by the community. It's not only more established leaders supporting the next generation, it's the next generation supporting the next generation.
And I just get inspired by seeing all these leaders, wondering what I can do to step it up.
What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?
To be honest, the idea of 2.0 is new to me. It's crazy. TechSoup, Second Life. Is it fun? Is it work? It's crazy.
with Nora Burton, Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation
and winner of $20 Good Card for Network for Good, soon to be going to PAWS!
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
I got a Next Generation Scholarship to come here. I'm staying in somebody else's room to be here. I just feel really supported by the community. It's not only more established leaders supporting the next generation, it's the next generation supporting the next generation.
And I just get inspired by seeing all these leaders, wondering what I can do to step it up.
What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?
To be honest, the idea of 2.0 is new to me. It's crazy. TechSoup, Second Life. Is it fun? Is it work? It's crazy.
Linetta J. Gilbert, senior program officer at the Ford Foundation, 2008 recipient of the Robert W. Scrivner Award, and founding supporter of EPIP, takes the stage to say a few words:
"When Rusty first approached me and asked about an affinity group for young people, I was certain of the need but not sure of who would come--this is truly a blessing to see everyone here, so turn the music back up. We're just so proud to be a supporter."
"When Rusty first approached me and asked about an affinity group for young people, I was certain of the need but not sure of who would come--this is truly a blessing to see everyone here, so turn the music back up. We're just so proud to be a supporter."
Live from Philanthropy 2.0...
Amid the lights and sounds of a session hall turned dance club, the next generation of philanthropists assembles to celebrate a revolution in giving: Philanthropy 2.0. With my back to the speakers, I'm reminded of the maxim attributed to Emma Goldman:
A revolution without dancing is not a revolution worth having.
Amid the lights and sounds of a session hall turned dance club, the next generation of philanthropists assembles to celebrate a revolution in giving: Philanthropy 2.0. With my back to the speakers, I'm reminded of the maxim attributed to Emma Goldman:
A revolution without dancing is not a revolution worth having.
Live from Philanthropy 2.0...
with Chandler Bazemore, Northstar Fund
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
I think it’s this. This is the end of the day. Let’s relax and have a good time.
What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?
It’s really about taking it to the next level. Our parents were 1.0. The next generation is 2.0.
with Chandler Bazemore, Northstar Fund
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
I think it’s this. This is the end of the day. Let’s relax and have a good time.
What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?
It’s really about taking it to the next level. Our parents were 1.0. The next generation is 2.0.
Live from Philanthropy 2.0...
with Crystal Dundas, Wachovia Regional Foundation
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
I really enjoyed hearing Sherece West. Having gone through being a leader at a young age, she was so very genuine.
I also liked the lunch plenary today. One thing I would like to see is quality education talked about as a human right.
with Crystal Dundas, Wachovia Regional Foundation
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
I really enjoyed hearing Sherece West. Having gone through being a leader at a young age, she was so very genuine.
I also liked the lunch plenary today. One thing I would like to see is quality education talked about as a human right.
What a scene? Has the Council on Foundation ever seen neon lights, disco balls and lots and lots and lots of laptops? NO. This year has bene a real important showing of Next Generation reps, voices and passions... And, how Rusty Stahl, Executive Director at Emerging practitioners in Philanthropy really knows how to really 'MC'..! This is an incredibly inspiring experience for me-- in particular--being a first attendee at a COF Summit. I feel welcomed and wanted, and I feel like at age 21, I really know that this is the place, and the field, and the community for me. I am meeting my partners and my peers and being thoroughly inspired along the way by the Baby Boomers and the Traditionalists of the field. Its a melding of ideas and tactics and tools. And, the ham-bloggers and Next Gen-tini drinks dont harm, right?
Everyone enjoy. Its not everyday that this kind of community comes together under the umbrella of iPods and Flat Screen TVs...
Everyone enjoy. Its not everyday that this kind of community comes together under the umbrella of iPods and Flat Screen TVs...
Live from Philanthropy 2.0...
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
"The luncheon plenary really broadened the debate around human rights. The call to action to think more strategically around human rights, the kinds of partnerships we want to build, was inspirational. The chicken lunch--not so much..."
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
"The luncheon plenary really broadened the debate around human rights. The call to action to think more strategically around human rights, the kinds of partnerships we want to build, was inspirational. The chicken lunch--not so much..."
Live from Philanthropy 2.0...
with Lindsay McClung, Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
"Philanthropy 2.0 and I’m not just saying that. It’s not that I don’t feel welcomed. It’s just doesn’t grab my attention. I need something that I can actually apply. I feel like it’s just talk sometimes. It’s so top-down sometimes. It doesn’t grab me. I need more applied knowledge—examples of what other places are doing."
What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?
"A new way to transfer knowledge"
with Lindsay McClung, Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation
The best event/meeting/moment so far:
"Philanthropy 2.0 and I’m not just saying that. It’s not that I don’t feel welcomed. It’s just doesn’t grab my attention. I need something that I can actually apply. I feel like it’s just talk sometimes. It’s so top-down sometimes. It doesn’t grab me. I need more applied knowledge—examples of what other places are doing."
What does Philanthropy 2.0 mean to you?
"A new way to transfer knowledge"
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