Equal Measure’s Post

We often see conflict as a barrier to progress, but what if "good conflict" could help connect across divides? Amanda Ripley will lead remarks during our closing plenary, followed by a discussion with Wendy Feliz, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Ali Noorani, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Bob Dold, Forbes Tate Partners, and Layla Zaidane, Future Caucus (formerly Millennial Action Project) on how funders can invest in rebuilding trust in democracy, renewing civic engagement, and building a shared commitment to an inclusive and thriving multiracial society. https://bit.ly/3PH8OKJ

WHY IT MATTERS

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending a conference in Estonia, where we spoke extensively about the intersection of community, advocacy, and art. The phenomenal conference solidified my belief in the power of intertwining art in the points we are trying to make and the stories we are trying to tell. Art, in its diverse forms – visual, literary, or auditory – acts as a universal language that bridges the gap between diverse perspectives and experiences. While on LinkedIn, we often categorize our interactions through a strict professional lens of boss/employee or customer/provider, there is a lot of potential when we view our shared humanity and perspective through the prism of art. Imagine a world where art is not just an afterthought but a pivotal element in shaping our professional narratives and strategies. This approach doesn't just add depth to our work; it fosters a culture of empathy, innovation, and connectedness. The idea might seem out there for LinkedIn, but if you look at people like Dr. Joy Buolamwini, who captured global attention through her poem on misgendering AIs, or organizations like Information is Beautiful that takes something as nerdy as billions of data points and turns it into art that tells a story, you can see it really does work.

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 am currently running for city council in Boulder, Colorado and election day is this Tuesday! Being a part of this process has been an incredible learning opportunity, getting to see the ways that our city and our political processes work, and to also understand more directly some of the issues that we create in these processes, through our tendencies to create division, perpetuating an other and polarizing towards opposing extremes. In this article, I explore the concept of "Schismogenesis" (lit: creation of division) and how it applies to local politics, and also, how we can effectively move beyond some of this harmful polarization to create systems that enable more effective collaboration at all levels. https://lnkd.in/etCThCjj

How wonderful for my students to get to hear from Annie Pforzheimer tonight about the challenges of addressing human rights, drug trafficking, insufficient governance, and economic inequality in the Western Hemisphere. If you aren't following her amazing work, check out her recent writing and research!

"The inequitable conditions we live in were not inevitable or driven by abstract, intangible forces, but are the result of direct choices that individuals and institutions made." ⬇️ Read the full interview of Corporate Accountability member Anna Mudd in our latest newsletter!

🌟 Calling All Exhibitors! 🌟 Exciting News! Exhibitor registration for the highly anticipated 5th Annual Rethinking Reentry Conference is NOW OPEN! 🎉 Are you passionate about driving positive change in reentry initiatives? Do you have products, services, or insights that can empower individuals transitioning back into society? This is your chance to showcase your offerings and be a part of a transformative event dedicated to redefining reentry strategies. Why Exhibit at the 5th Annual Rethinking Reentry Conference? 🔍 Connect with Thought Leaders: Engage with policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and experts shaping the future of reentry programs. 🤝 Build Meaningful Relationships: Network with like-minded professionals committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals post-incarceration. 📊 Showcase Your Solutions: Demonstrate your innovative products, technologies, and services that support successful reintegration and rehabilitation efforts. 🌱 Drive Impactful Change: Contribute to the dialogue, share insights, and collaborate on solutions that address the challenges of reentry and promote equity and justice. Join us in our mission to rethink reentry and create a more inclusive and supportive society for all. Reserve your exhibitor space today and be a catalyst for change! Click https://lnkd.in/guPRb4MC to secure your spot now! For inquiries or assistance, please contact us at [email protected] Let's make the 5th Annual Rethinking Reentry Conference an inspiring and transformative experience together! See you there! 👋 #RethinkingReentry #ReentryConference #CriminalJusticeReform #Empowerment #SocialImpact #ExhibitorRegistration #Mississippi #msreentry

“This report summarizes findings from an extensive field and literature scan and interviews with 30 informants, including practitioners, funders, researchers, consultants, and staff members from several foundations. The report makes recommendations for foundations to consider in identifying and working with intermediaries to support racial equity, power sharing, and community voice. An adaptable tool was also created to help foundation staff navigate decision-making points and options for determining when and how to best work with intermediaries.”

ODE TO PIDC By Terri Hathaway Oh, PIDC! You are What I wish LEDA would be! You are a 501(c) 4! You administrate development finance galore! Funds and tools for high impact revitalization Hand in hand with growth and innovation You run a well-oiled operation Based on streamlined application Of public funds -- it's your mission, not a chore! I salute your public private partnership with your own staff and limited politics You bill the city for your contractual services What's your mission? Keep the funds moving for a thriving Philly, that is! Not just growth but also ... Equity Ms. Harris, please tell us how LEDA could be Effective like PIDC. Does it help to have transparency?