Daring to Reform:
Challenging Nonprofit Systemic Racism

The systemic inequities that have become more visible due to the coronavirus pandemic and the continued murders of Black people at the hands of law enforcement are not new. However, the amount of media awareness and activism in recognition of that racism is new. In response, we have seen companies and nonprofits begin to reckon with their roles in perpetuating inequity - canceling tv shows like COPS, changing the language they use like the Grammy awards announcement that they would stop using the word 'urban,' and rebranding Aunt Jemima syrup. While these types of changes are welcome improvements, meaningful and long-lasting action must occur to create an anti-racist workplace.

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We are committed to supporting the process through education, exploration, and action. This informative series intends to challenge the systemic racism within the nonprofit sector.

Each webinar is $15; click on the webinar title to register on Eventbrite. Space is limited. Reserve your seat today.

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Anti-Racism & Microaggressions: Understanding Systemic Oppression

Postponed

Kenyatta Bakeer of Muslim ARC will challenge racism and bias in nonprofits. This workshop will explore implicit bias and how it can affect our everyday choices, as well as microaggressions and why they matter. Through exercises and follow up work, participants will develop long term strategies to interrupt harmful and oppressive behaviors.

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Turning Diversity and Inclusion into an Effective Philanthropic Tool

Wednesday, October 28, from 1:00-2:00 pm CDT

U.S. philanthropy has always existed at the intersection of capitalism and racial injustice, perpetuating the social and economic issues it promises to fix. Black, indigenous, and other people of color are fighting to dismantle the inequities that exist within the philanthropic space which impact communities of color and other underserved groups. 

• Muhi Khwaja, the co-founder of the American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF), will discuss how the foundation is leveraging its spaces to integrate inclusion principles into philanthropy.

• Grayce Wiggins, with the Housing & Community Development department of the City of Takoma Park, will discuss how the city's grant committee strategically aligned its funding priorities and grantmaking decisions based on the city's racial equity initiative.  

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Practicing Equity as a Nonprofit Leader

Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00-2:00 pm CDT

Nonprofit leaders are using their positions of power to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into their organizations. This session, moderated by Zahra Billoo, executive director of CAIR-San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA). The discussion will talk about whiteness in nonprofit spaces and how each panelist is using their identity and privilege to share support communities of color and incorporate inclusion principles into their organizational practices. Panelists include: 

• Meira Neggaz, executive director of the Institute of Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)

• Dr. Kay Colbert, DSW, LCSW, board chair for The Magdalen House

• Rachel Branaman, principal of Talem Consulting

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Language Matters: Incorporating Equity into your Marketing and Fundraising

Wednesday, November 11, from 1:00-2:00 pm CDT

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Nonprofits draw on research into language, persuasion, and marketing to create effective appeals and communications. They rely on storytelling and marketing archetypes to produce the message and linguistics which are proven tools for persuasion. Rachel Branaman, principal of Talem Consulting, and Saadia Ahmed, principal of Fluff and Logic, will discuss ways to share your stories in a way that prioritizes community-centric and culturally relevant language without "othering" the community that your nonprofit serves.  

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Combating Anti-Blackness in our Faith Communities

Wednesday, November 18, from 1:00-2:00 pm CDT

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A majority of Americans consider themselves religious. Most of the world's religions arose in geographies where the skin color of those indigenous peoples was not white. The distinctions drawn between people in religious texts are religious and moral, not ethnic or racial. However, some people of faith use religion to support their own preconceived prejudices to justify racial oppression. This session will discuss how each panelist is combating anti-Blackness in Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities. Panelists include:

• Sufyan Sohel, deputy director and counsel, CAIR-Chicago

• Karyn Bass-Ehler, civil rights attorney

• Rev. Dr. Russell L. Meyer, executive director, Florida Council of Churches