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In the U.S., the economic crisis that has disproportionately affected communities of color has also had an enormous impact on the non-profit sector, forcing large numbers of progressive grassroots organizations to cut back or even shut down programs. While it is clear that “the revolution will not be funded,” the majority of social justice organizations in the U.S. receive most of their funding from foundations.
In this workshop we will explore the current movement landscape and the broader “social justice ecosystem” within the context of events ranging from the election of Barak Obama to increased organizing on the grassroots Left (as seen, for example, within the USSF process) and through right wing populism (as exemplified by tea partyism). We will examine different strategies and initiatives within philanthropy to help bring about social justice and transformative change, and explore what it takes to sustain organizations that benefit our communities.
Through a combination of presentations, panels, role plays and small group discussions, participants will explore ways of strengthening the social justice ecosystem that can inform ongoing discussions within the USSF in Detroit and beyond.
This session will make the case that we are in a critical moment for increasing financial support to base-building and organizing, to achieve progressive political victories in the coming years.
