Americans for the Arts’ Post

"The journey towards healing and racial justice for AFP must involve truth-telling and amplifying courageous testimonies. Acknowledging those who dare to speak truth to power, is vital for stories to emerge without further oppression, and crucial to cultivating a racially and socially just AFP." Read more about The Journey Towards Healing and Racial Justice with Birgit Smith Burton, AFP Global Board Chair at https://ow.ly/v77T50QzNvt

Interesting in learning more about the state of the arts and culture sector in Philadelphia? A study connected by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and PA Humanities, the Culture Check "gathers the voices of Pennsylvania’s cultural, arts, and humanities organizations, along with other nonprofits and community groups." The report shares important information about the cultural sector, its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for growth and engagement with the community, and much more. Learn more about this year's findings here: https://lnkd.in/eiUP2HRZ

August is National Civic Health Month. The National Civic League has created a civic health index that includes seven components of community-based civic capital: engaged residents, inclusive community leadership, collaborative institutions, embracing diversity and equity, authentic communication, a culture of engagement, and shared vision and values. Here in Arkansas, it is in our best interests, and in the best interests of our children and grandchildren, that we elect leaders who make it their mission to create and sustain civic health infrastructure that empowers the citizens of Arkansas to build livable communities where we all can thrive together. Read the 2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index, that I co-authored, to find out what our elected officials should be thinking about to improve our state's civic health: https://lnkd.in/gqaPARWU

💓 I'm grateful for Yodit Mesfin Johnson's leadership in this space. Please consider applying for NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work)'s Champions of Change cohort. Through this experience, you’ll: -Deepen your understanding and skills for advancing social and racial justice, equity and inclusion. -Enhance your emotional skills and practices of courage, resilience and compassion to sustain justice work. -Honor the wisdom and experiences of the CFC community by uplifting their knowledge and expertise. -Strengthen your relationships with other justice-focused leaders across SE Michigan. -Identify and upend unjust policies, practices and procedures within your spheres of influence. -Create the conditions for more BIPOC leaders to grow in their leadership across sectors and industries in SE Michigan. Key information about the program schedule and cost can be found on NEW's website. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTVTA2K9 📅 Deadline to apply is September 9

📣 Application Alert from our friends at NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work). #grantpartner NEW's Champions for Change: "Leaders from across the social sector can grow in their abilities to lead from their values. Champions will uncover the implicit and explicit ways race has impacted their lived experiences. They'll practice dialogue across diverse aspects of identity. And they'll conspire with others to spur change towards racial co-liberation." "Champions for Change commit to a nine-month-long intensive leadership development program. Champions meet every two to three weeks in seven-hour sessions. Most sessions will take place in-person in Washtenaw County, however the program is open to leaders from across SE Michigan. Each session emphasizes building relationships, sharing stories, practicing deep listening, and skill-building. (We also make time to play and share meals together!)." Through this experience, leaders will: 📌 Deepen their understanding and skills for advancing social and racial justice, equity and inclusion. 📌 Enhance their emotional skills and practices of courage, resilience and compassion to sustain justice work. 📌 Honor the wisdom and experiences of the CFC community by uplifting their knowledge and expertise. 📌 Strengthen their relationships with other justice-focused leaders across SE Michigan. 📌 Identify and upend unjust policies, practices and procedures within their spheres of influence. 📌 Create the conditions for more BIPOC leaders to grow in their leadership across sectors and industries in SE Michigan. Learn more and apply by 9/9/24: https://lnkd.in/eC82ZCEs

A key learning from the report: “Increased funding and support from businesses, philanthropy, governments, and the media is essential to reflect our art and humanities community’s significant economic contribution and national prominence.”

Check out this blog from the 2024 Grantmakers for Effective Organizations Conference where Rebecca Hamburg, CDT’s Chief Network Officer, participated as a key panelist. This session titled “Philanthropy as Catalyst for Voter Engagement” dove into the importance of understanding legal rules, leveraging unique organizational strengths, and integrating community-led solutions for effective voter engagement. Click the link below to read Rebecca’s insights. https://lnkd.in/gpxJEvXY

GOT COMPLICATED? Institutions of #highereducation boards of trustees need to think about the position that they and others take on many sensitive issues and the impact it will have. Director of Board Effectiveness, Robert (Skip) Myers, PhD here at Casagrande Consulting, LLC can help.

NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work) is doing great things in SE Michigan! Applications for the 2024-25 cohort of "Champions for Change" are now open. In Champions for Change, leaders from across the social sector in SE Michigan can grow in their abilities to lead from their values. Champions will uncover the implicit and explicit ways race has impacted their lived-experiences. They'll practice dialogue across diverse aspects of identity. And they'll conspire with others to spur change towards racial co-liberation.