On today’s podcast, editors of the book Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love – Nneka Allen, Camila Vital Nunes Pereira, and Nicole Salmon – share with us their insight and wisdom on how to confront systemic racism in our sector, starting with speaking up and sharing stories.
Ways that Nneka, Nicole and Camille encourage us to confront systemic racism
- Recognize that we are all part of a racist system. Centre the conversation on the system, and recognize that we all live and breathe in racism. Good people or organizations trying to do good can be actively participating in reinforcing systemic racism too.
- Recognize that both action and inaction have impact. Not only do words have an impact in making changes or perpetuating harm, silence also can have significant impact. Think about what your silence means and reinforces.
- Leverage collective power for change. Collective courage and power will mobilize changes. Click the links in the resource section to join and support the community of Black fundraisers or host a book club at your workplace.
- Show commitment to philanthropy and community that is not subject to the tradition of Western and white philanthropy. Don’t let the tradition of Western and white philanthropy speak for all philanthropic and community endeavours. The Black communities’ love for community, making a difference, and connecting with people through giving predates Western philanthropy.
Favourite quotes from this episode
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“The word racism is so charged because we’ve attached a good, bad binary to the word. And that’s problematic and false. Racism is the water we swim in. So we’re all infected. The question is what are we each going to do about our own infection?” ~ Nneka Allen
“The impact of your action and inaction lands somewhere. Words you use have a lasting impact on people.” ~ Nicole Salmon
“When I joined the collective, I was looking for a community, because most of the time you feel alone and you feel like you’re the only one. We’re here. This is an invitation. If there’s any, anyone out there in the nonprofit sector, and you’re looking for a community, a place to really feel like you were at home, connect with us.” ~ Camila Vital Nunes Pereira
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Resources from this Episode
