Imagine and Act: NCG's 2024 Annual Conference
Agenda
Please take a moment to admire the vibrant art pieces that will be on display throughout the entire day. This year, we're excited to showcase youth art from the Center for ArtEsteem, along with works from the Akonadi Foundation's Racial Justice Poster Project.
June 18, 2024
Grand Ballroom Foyer
We are thrilled to announce that GRAMMY®️-nominated artist, RyanNicole, will perform at our conference, bringing her unique blend of artistry, activism, and athleticism to our stage. To kick off the event, RyanNicole will deliver an original piece inspired by our conference theme, "Imagine & Act," weaving together the vital role of art in social movements and the pursuit of racial justice.
Speakers
Malkia Devich-Cyril will ground us in our region’s history and activism and lead us in an insightful exploration of how times of collective grief can power social movements.
With clarity and depth, Devich-Cyril will unpack the complexities of our current social landscape, where grief can both immobilize and mobilize us. By acknowledging collective grief and trauma, they will highlight pathways to resilience and solidarity—inviting reflection on the essence of shared struggle particularly as we honor Juneteenth and Pride Month.
With clarity and depth, Devich-Cyril will unpack the complexities of our current social landscape, where grief can both immobilize and mobilize us. By acknowledging collective grief and trauma, they will highlight pathways to resilience and solidarity—inviting reflection on the essence of shared struggle particularly as we honor Juneteenth and Pride Month.
Speakers
The Great Debate is back. And our fight for a vibrant democracy continues.
We are faced with critical questions: What is philanthropy’s role in addressing forces that are seeking to undermine our democracy? How can philanthropy facilitate greater progress toward equity, justice, and inclusion in support of a vibrant, multi-racial democracy? How will philanthropy support the power building of communities so they can lead the long-term fight for racial equity?
How we respond to this critical moment will shape our nation’s future. As part of a beloved NCG tradition, this year’s Great Debate statement is "Philanthropy has a role in supporting a vibrant, multi-racial democracy. Yes, or no?”
This session will have four philanthropists squaring off in teams of two to unpack all aspects of this statement. It’s a chance to go deeper and engage ourselves on this issue through the nuance of our role in the region. And while the subject matter can be weighty, this session will be conducted in good spirits. The audience will get to determine which side emerges victorious through live polling conducted onsite.
We are faced with critical questions: What is philanthropy’s role in addressing forces that are seeking to undermine our democracy? How can philanthropy facilitate greater progress toward equity, justice, and inclusion in support of a vibrant, multi-racial democracy? How will philanthropy support the power building of communities so they can lead the long-term fight for racial equity?
How we respond to this critical moment will shape our nation’s future. As part of a beloved NCG tradition, this year’s Great Debate statement is "Philanthropy has a role in supporting a vibrant, multi-racial democracy. Yes, or no?”
This session will have four philanthropists squaring off in teams of two to unpack all aspects of this statement. It’s a chance to go deeper and engage ourselves on this issue through the nuance of our role in the region. And while the subject matter can be weighty, this session will be conducted in good spirits. The audience will get to determine which side emerges victorious through live polling conducted onsite.
Speakers
Maurice Mitchell will delve into the dynamic relationship between imagination and grassroots movements amidst a country shaped by continued ideological divides.
Leveraging his deep roots in grassroots organizing, Mitchell will share the transformative potential within community-led movements to envision equitable futures and advocate for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance. He will inspire us to reflect on our role in resourcing innovative solutions at the local level, fostering solidarity, and collaboration for collective liberation.
Leveraging his deep roots in grassroots organizing, Mitchell will share the transformative potential within community-led movements to envision equitable futures and advocate for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance. He will inspire us to reflect on our role in resourcing innovative solutions at the local level, fostering solidarity, and collaboration for collective liberation.
Speakers
Despite the monumental funding allocated through landmark programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, there's a pressing need to ensure these investments yield lasting, transformative changes to historically marginalized communities. In the years leading up to the 2020 election, philanthropy invested historic resources to mobilize democracy, elect progressive lawmakers, and cement historic policies like these New Deal era investments. In the years since, communities that have historically lacked capacity continue struggling to influence how these funds are used, thereby passing up a tremendous opportunity for the philanthropic sector’s democracy efforts to have “felt” impacts in communities.
How and where these funds are deployed will determine whether these policies are truly transformative—putting the U.S. on a path towards a more just energy transition that builds momentum for even greater action in the future—or results in a short-lived era of investment with limited benefit felt in communities of color. This conversation will explore the intersection of philanthropy, progressive policy agendas, and historic investments in infrastructure and climate resilience. We’ll discuss lessons learned from past philanthropic efforts to mobilize democracy and influence policy, the potential pitfalls of framing these investments as “once in a generation”, and how philanthropy can play a proactive role in ensuring equity and community empowerment in resource allocation.
How and where these funds are deployed will determine whether these policies are truly transformative—putting the U.S. on a path towards a more just energy transition that builds momentum for even greater action in the future—or results in a short-lived era of investment with limited benefit felt in communities of color. This conversation will explore the intersection of philanthropy, progressive policy agendas, and historic investments in infrastructure and climate resilience. We’ll discuss lessons learned from past philanthropic efforts to mobilize democracy and influence policy, the potential pitfalls of framing these investments as “once in a generation”, and how philanthropy can play a proactive role in ensuring equity and community empowerment in resource allocation.
Speakers
Envision a future where every community in Northern California flourishes, where shared prosperity becomes a reality. Our region, celebrated for its diversity and innovation, stands at the forefront of social progress and economic vitality. Yet, amidst this vibrant tapestry, many individuals—particularly Black, Indigenous, and other people of color—struggle to sustain themselves in the communities they call home.
Our interconnectedness is undeniable, as workers commute across counties and essential resources flow seamlessly throughout the region. However, we face significant challenges, from housing crises to climate hazards, which transcend geographic boundaries and affect us all. It's imperative that philanthropy mirrors this interconnected reality, extending its reach across regions and communities to advance racial equity and access to opportunity.
Join us to discover how community-based organizations and residents are driving transformation in the face of historical disinvestment and systemic inequities. Learn how philanthropy can boldly partner with them, distributing resources to ensure every individual has access to thriving, affordable neighborhoods and opportunities for a brighter future. Together, let's not only imagine, but also actively build a more equitable Northern California where everyone can thrive.
Our interconnectedness is undeniable, as workers commute across counties and essential resources flow seamlessly throughout the region. However, we face significant challenges, from housing crises to climate hazards, which transcend geographic boundaries and affect us all. It's imperative that philanthropy mirrors this interconnected reality, extending its reach across regions and communities to advance racial equity and access to opportunity.
Join us to discover how community-based organizations and residents are driving transformation in the face of historical disinvestment and systemic inequities. Learn how philanthropy can boldly partner with them, distributing resources to ensure every individual has access to thriving, affordable neighborhoods and opportunities for a brighter future. Together, let's not only imagine, but also actively build a more equitable Northern California where everyone can thrive.
Speakers
More funders are now identifying power-building as a key strategy to their work than there were 10 or 20 years ago. In a critical election year, it is important to reimagine long-term power-building strategies from traditional electoral voter engagement and the cyclical boom-bust funding that accompanies it. Participants will be asked to imagine a thriving multiracial democracy beyond electoral cycles and what is possible to achieve when justice movements are fully resourced.
This session will highlight the work movement leaders are doing to build power in low-income, Black, indigenous, and people of color communities, and other historically marginalized communities. Beyond ensuring voters are regularly engaged in local and national elections, our panelists are leading efforts tying long-term power-building to other fights for racial and economic justice. Funders will leave with an understanding of how investments in advocacy, organizing, shared governance models, and community-led solutions complement and build on successes at the ballot box and the grantmaking practices that will sustain this work.
This session will highlight the work movement leaders are doing to build power in low-income, Black, indigenous, and people of color communities, and other historically marginalized communities. Beyond ensuring voters are regularly engaged in local and national elections, our panelists are leading efforts tying long-term power-building to other fights for racial and economic justice. Funders will leave with an understanding of how investments in advocacy, organizing, shared governance models, and community-led solutions complement and build on successes at the ballot box and the grantmaking practices that will sustain this work.
Speakers
How we show up in relationship with one another matters. How might foundation staff behave – what values and practices might they embody – to operate in service of realizing liberation and more connected, just, and ecologically vibrant communities?
In this session, we will explore centering relationships in philanthropy, especially in the processes of philanthropic decision making, as a practice towards creating a more equitable future. What does it mean to center relationships when moving resources? What is possible when we move away from transactional models of funding to more relational ones? What factors might impact authenticity and how might we keep those within sight as we transition to relational ways of making change together?
Join us for a conversation among movement leaders and their philanthropic partners on the power of transformative relationships in aligning values with actions to better facilitate social change. Learn how philanthropy can shift into right relationships with one another and within their organizations.
In this session, we will explore centering relationships in philanthropy, especially in the processes of philanthropic decision making, as a practice towards creating a more equitable future. What does it mean to center relationships when moving resources? What is possible when we move away from transactional models of funding to more relational ones? What factors might impact authenticity and how might we keep those within sight as we transition to relational ways of making change together?
Join us for a conversation among movement leaders and their philanthropic partners on the power of transformative relationships in aligning values with actions to better facilitate social change. Learn how philanthropy can shift into right relationships with one another and within their organizations.
Speakers
The Akonadi Foundation champions the role of art and culture as a vehicle for racial justice and movement building in Oakland. Now, more than ever, sustaining art and culture is critical to creating the world we want to live in. As Oakland grapples with systemic inequities, art serves not only as a means of expression, but as a powerful tool for community empowerment and resistance. We’ll learn how this work is essential to building a racially just Oakland and how the philanthropic community can align to sustain art and culture in the power-building ecosystem. Discover actionable strategies and innovative approaches to funding that can drive meaningful change.
““The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” --Toni Cade Bambara, civil rights activist, writer, teacher, and filmmaker
““The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” --Toni Cade Bambara, civil rights activist, writer, teacher, and filmmaker
Speakers
RyanNicole will return to perform additional pieces that celebrate Oakland, its rich artistic heritage, and the power of community activism.
Michael Tubbs and Aimee Allison will take the stage to offer a dual perspective on the journey from imagination to action, as former mayor and visionary leader, respectively. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, they will share their experiences of translating visionary ideas into tangible policies and initiatives, underscoring the pivotal partnerships and collaborative imagination required between government, philanthropy, and grassroots organizations. With a focus on equity and representation, Tubbs and Allison will also delve into the imperative of centering marginalized voices and perspectives in philanthropic decision-making. In a final rallying cry, they will call upon philanthropic leaders to embrace the spirit of collaboration, harnessing the boundless potential of collective imagination to shape a future that leaves no one behind.
Speakers
