PolicyLink’s Post

Today we are uplifting the next article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, 'The Call Is Coming From Inside the House,' by our Communications Vice President Vanice Dunn. In this article she invites us to explore the transformation that this moment demands of our movement, and how we can live into new ways of being that are grounded in love and have the power to shape a nation that works for all. This is in service of the call put forth by CEO Dr. Michael McAfee and our Vice President of Research Abbie Langston to refound this nation, fundamentally reshaping not only its systems and structures, but the entire social fabric. This moment offers a chance to rethink our strategies and alliances, rejecting cynicism and scarcity for accountability and progress toward our collective flourishing. By committing to this transformative approach, we can build a movement that not only envisions a just future but actively creates it. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gAiZpvci #MultiracialDemocracy #RevolutionaryLove #InextricablyLinked #EquitySummit2024 #WeAreTheFounders

The next article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review series is, 'A Revolution of the Soul' by our CEO Dr. Michael McAfee and our Vice President of Research Abbie Langston. In this article they discuss how we the people must take ownership for this nation, delivering systems, structures, and norms that act in service of the flourishing of all people. "These are the seeds of the world we want to create," they write, "but we do not have the soil to plant them in." They will not grow in political, social, and economic systems that fail to acknowledge the fundamental dignity and interconnectedness of all humanity. There is only one choice: we must develop individual and collective souls that are at last grounded in love for all. And each of our organizations and every sector in society must be willing to shoulder the scale and depth of this responsibility. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gV7x8_AV #RacialEquity #MultiracialDemocracy #TheAll #ThrivingCommunities #EquitySummit2024 #WeAreTheFounders

Today we are uplifting the next article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, 'Our Journey to a Consciousness of all' by our CEO Dr. Michael McAfee and President Ashleigh Gardere. A quarter-century ago, PolicyLink set out on a groundbreaking mission to create a Black-led policy organization dedicated to advancing racial equity, far from the traditional power centers in Washington, DC. At the time, this idea was seen as radical and faced skepticism from those who believed that the nation wasn’t ready for such a concept, fearing that focusing on equity might overshadow discussions of equality and justice. PolicyLink's new vision demanded a broader and more inclusive approach, one that embraced equity as essential for true participation and prosperity for all. The term "equity" has since become a staple in public discourse, with PolicyLink influencing policy changes and achieving victories across various sectors. Despite these successes, the political and social landscape has remained turbulent, with ongoing challenges highlighting the persistence of systemic inequities and ideological divisions. While progress has been made, the journey is far from complete. Our CEO Michael McAfee and President Ashleigh Gardere continue to call for a renewed commitment to our mission, urging a deep reflection on past practices and a courageous adaptation to new challenges. This requires us to reclaim "all" as the fullest expression of equity and the path to the future we envision: a society where race or zip code doesn't determine life outcomes, and where no one faces violence, poverty, hunger, or deprivation. It's about dismantling social systems that uphold oppressive hierarchies so that we may work in service of everyone's flourishing. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gcMjTEJB #MultiracialDemocracy #RacialEquity #ThrivingCommunities #EquitySummit2024 

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Isaac Freeman III (Fatman Scoop). His performance at our equity summit was nothing short of amazing where we all had the chance to experience his love for music and his superhero power of hyping up a crowd. Fatman Scoop’s legacy of warmth and brilliance will forever hold a special place in our hearts and we’ll remember to hold on to the joy and love he shared with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this hard time.

We’re honored to have shared this week with you at #EquitySummit2024. As we reflect on wisdom shared at Summit, we want to continue to center our collective power to, at last, design a nation that loves all. To further this momentum we will be sharing a series of articles from Stanford Social Innovation Review. Today, we want to uplift the newly released Stanford Social Innovation Review article, "The Power of the South: Welcome to Atlanta" by Nathaniel Smith, founder of the Partnership for Southern Equity. Smith invites us to draw inspiration from the South's profound legacy of resistance and transformation. In the heart of Atlanta, a reflection on America's journey toward a truly inclusive #MultiracialDemocracy unfolds, a key reason we at PolicyLink strategically chose it to hold the #EquitySummit2024. From the Civil War to the Southern Freedom Movement, the South has been a crucible for the fight for equality. Smith emphasizes that real change begins with the soul, calling on us to harness love and empathy as powerful forces in advancing equity. As we face ongoing challenges, Smith reminds us that, despite setbacks, the dream of a just and inclusive America endures, guided by the enduring spirit of leaders past and present. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g93M9EJN #WeAreTheFounders #MultiracialDemocracy #EquitySummit2024 #RacialEquity 

Day 2 of the PolicyLink #EquitySummit2024 kicked off with an enlightening plenary featuring Angela Glover Blackwell, Crystal Echo Hawk, Jeff Bradach, Linda Sarsour and Manuel Pastor. This was followed by a series of workshops packed with insights on advancing equity and building a #MultiracialDemocracy where everyone can thrive. We capped off the evening with an unforgettable surprise concert from Janelle Monae and Fatman Scoop where we danced and filled our hearts with joy and love for our community.

At this pivotal moment, we are working to realize an institution that can endure, deliver impact, and help catalyze a nation that works in service of everyone’s thriving. In this spirit of renewal, we are thrilled to announce that Ashleigh Gardere is assuming the role of President to co-lead PolicyLink alongside CEO Dr. Michael McAfee. Please join us in congratulating Ashleigh on her new role as President at PolicyLink!

Today, at the PolicyLink #EquitySummit2024 we made the exciting announcement that Ashleigh Gardere will serve as the President of PolicyLink. As President, Gardere will co-lead the development and expansion of a national governing and economic agenda to create a flourishing, multiracial democracy, equitable economy, and thriving communities of opportunity with PolicyLink CEO Dr. Michael McAfee. Ashleigh Gardere is a leader dedicated to a future where everyone in the nation can thrive, and has remained committed to making that future real in partnership with common and uncommon partners. Throughout her 20+ year career, she has witnessed the power of collaboration to deliver meaningful change, as she helped accelerate systems transformation and equity through executive roles in government, business, and the nonprofit sector. Now Ashleigh serves as President of PolicyLink, a research and action institute, where she is focused on redesigning the nation to work for all. She understands that realizing a flourishing multiracial democracy requires new values and governing standards in service of our collective flourishing; new ways of working between government and community; and new ways of being, individually and as part of institutions. https://lnkd.in/eRFwu7C #PolicyLink #AshleighGardere #MultiracialDemocracy #EquitableEconomy

Day Two of the #EquitySummit2024 started off with an inspiring message from Dr. Michael McAfee reaffirming that 'All means ALL.' It was then followed by a panel moderated by Angela Glover Blackwell with Crystal Echo Hawk, Jeff Bradach, Linda Sarsour, Dr. Michael McAfee, and Prof. Manuel Pastor. So much knowledge was dropped, what gems and insight did you pick up?