What would it look like to have nonprofits and communities truly drive our work? How much participation is required to center our work on community needs? Grantmakers have a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, live, work, and play. To create the greatest impact, we must work with nonprofits and listen to individuals' lived experiences to understand the problem, and what is not being said and define the assets available to determine a sustainable path forward. During this session, participants will assess how nonprofits and communities currently participate in their work. Groups will discuss the importance of examining participation through, diversity, equity, and inclusion lenses. Participants will hear examples from organizations already putting these practices into work and leave with tools to help their organizations plan for the three important “W’s” of participation: WHEN participation is important, WHO should participate, and WHAT participation could look like.
- Engage in dialogue about why participation is important
- Learn strategies and hear stories about successful community-driven work
- Link the approach of community-driven philanthropy and positive changes in participation in grantmaking with the ultimate goal of equitable power redistribution in the community
- Use different tools, resources, and frameworks to foster greater participation with their nonprofit and community partners