Session 1: The Blanket Exercise: A Participatory Experience of Native American History (9:45 am - 12 pm)
Cattleya (6th Floor)
Join Native Americans in Philanthropy for this powerful experience exposing attendees to the history of Indigenous peoples through the Blanket Exercise. A “unique, participatory history lesson – developed in collaboration with Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and educators – that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.”
This session will run from 9:45 am to 12 pm. There will not be a break from 11-11:30 am.
Facilitators: Gina Jackson, Program Director and Vance Blackfox (@VanceBlackfox), Communications Director, Native Americans in Philanthropy
Session 2: The PSO Business Model
Vanda South (6th Floor)
How do PSOs fashion their business models and ensure stability and growth in an ever-changing field of philanthropy? What have we learned from colleagues who have created business models that work and set them on a sustainable course into the future? Come hear from representatives from PSOs that contributed to the recently released DIY Guide to Adaptive Business Modeling for PSOs created by The Giving Practice in partnership with United Philanthropy Forum.
Speaker: Mark Sedway, Senior Partner, The Giving Practice and Ellen LaPointe, President & CEO, Northern California Grantmakers
Session 3: Anchor Institution, Community Revitalization and the Role of Philanthropic Leadership
Vanda North (6th Floor)
The Evergreen Cooperative, Baltimore Integration Project and the Greater University Circle Neighborhood Initiatives are examples we will draw from to understand the power of collective leadership and anchor institutions to make real change in struggling communities. Hear from representatives of Cleveland and Baltimore as they discuss these strategies to systemic change. The BIP was created to advance economic inclusion in Baltimore and the GUCN and EC in Cleveland have all focused over the last several years on growing the roles and ways anchor institutions can improve opportunities for area residents, business, and communities through hiring, purchasing, and reinvestment. All speakers will discuss how equity was placed at the center of these projects necessarily and as a core value of the work.
Speakers: Celeste Amato, President, Maryland Philanthropy Network; Nelson Beckford, Program Director for Neighborhood Revitalization and Engagement, Cleveland Foundation; Ted Howard, President & Co-Founder, Democracy Collaborative; and others
After the Census: What’s Next for PSOs in Strengthening Democracy and Civic Engagement?
Calypso (6th Floor)
PSOs and foundations are leading an unprecedented effort to prepare the nation for the 2020 Census. While a significant amount of work remains to ensure a fair and accurate count, right now is also an opportunity for the Forum network to consider how we sustain the momentum of our policy and advocacy efforts after the conclusion of the 2020 Census. Philanthropy’s support of the census exemplifies the sector’s commitment to democratic practices and civic engagement, and our work affirms our understanding that philanthropy cannot stand on the sidelines of these important processes. This session will explore what is next for PSO policy and advocacy efforts after the census and how philanthropy—and the Forum network specifically—might play important roles in supporting democracy, civic engagement, and other issues going forward.
Speakers: Michael Baskin, Democracy Innovation Fellow, Foundation for Civic Leadership; Jocelyn Bissonnette, Director, Funders Census Initiative, Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation; Kristen Cambell (@kcambell), Executive Director, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE); Kevin Douglas (@douglaskev), Director of National Programs, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees; Dawn Melchiorre, Chief Operating Officer, Forefront; and Karen Narasaki (@narasakijustice), Consultant, New Venture Fund
Think Tank: Sustaining Strong Partnerships
Caladenia (7th Floor)
Forum members have been partnering on the Forum's Knowledge Management Collaborative for 15 years. As we've grown to over 30 organizations, we continue to build a successful, impactful and long-term partnership between PSOs. Join this conversation to learn more from members of the collaborative about how we've built a community of trust, used peer learning and champions to sustain the work over time, and empowered and engaged partners. This collaboration is a model for how PSOs can partner with each other but also for how you can build lasting partnerships with your own members.
Speakers: Caleb Beaudoin, Executive and Database Associate, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees; Allyson Goldhagen, Director of Member Services, Philanthropy New York; Kristen Ruff, Senior Vice President of Member Services, Philanthropy New York; Lissa Silotto, Communications and Marketing Manager, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance