"Inclusivity does not need to be an either or."

I'm back at #FRO2021 for "Inclusivity is not a Choice" with @cherian_koshy @NidukDsouza @liz_hallett @LetiPeguero.

DEI has risen up the fundraising agenda. While these conversations are rising, we need to talk about what we're doing when we talk about diversity, equity and inclusion. How much of what we do in the sector is upholding the status quo?
@NidukDsouza
#FRO2021

We have commodified diversity, equity & inclusion. True inclusion is about courageous transformation. Whether it's fundraising or grantmaking. Our histories and philanthropy are not neutral. We need to reimagine what is possible.
@LetiPeguero
#FRO2021

"Our perspectives are very short term. There is a much richer history"
We have based our fundraising on applied business practices - the donor (or customer) is always right. Are we right to value these derivative practices we're engaged in?
@cherian_koshy #FRO2021

We live in a cult of over-simplification that is problematic when it comes to these principles. Why do we believe what we believe and do what we do? Defensiveness in our sector is based on ... fragility & an attempt to hold onto power.
@cherian_koshy @LetiPeguero

"The money that I'm raising is doing the transformation" is not enough.

Anti-racism and feminism are completely inter-twined.

#FRO2021

"There are no forums where BIPOC communities have a safe space to discuss these issues and not have pushback. We need to wake up. We need to give up our power & make space."

@liz_hallett
#FRO2021

How do we get the balance right between being donor-centred, community centred and mission centred? What does it mean to be community minded, even as donors?

@NidukDsouza #FRO2021

Balance means different things to different people. Understanding the context of community centric fundraising matters. We've been fundraising based on our communities from the beginning of time. There are other ways of doing this work.
@LetiPeguero #FRO2021

We're really bad at centring things. It takes a life of its own. Developing balance requires consistent rebalancing. Don't get stuck into thinking we've found the Right Way beyond critique. No one is truly expert but we're getting closer to what truth is.
@cherian_koshy #FRO2021

"Listen. Learn. Support. Don't take over.
Sit in the discomfort and learn."
@liz_hallett

"Walking through discomfort is where transformation happens."
@NidukDsouza

#FRO2021

All my Twitter notes for #FRO2021 can be found in this thread: https://twitter.com/richardsved/status/1387342542442844162?s=20