Anti-Authoritarian Funder Learning Series Part III: Local Responses in the Protection of Democracy

In this final session of GCIR’s anti-authoritarian series, we will examine how front-line organizations and funders are responding in real time to increasingly oppressive state actions, including the militarization of Los Angeles and recent attempt to take over the nation’s capital, with the promise of more cities to be targeted.

These actions are not only designed to instill fear in communities and discourage dissent, but also represent a dangerous politicization of military force against the administration’s perceived political opponents and communities comprised primarily of residents of color. Considering the magnitude and volume of the threats to immigrants and other communities, funders must consider their responsibility and the role they can play in the response.

As we learned in part II of our series, the actions currently being taken are neither disconnected nor inconsequential but have instead portended democratic backsliding around the globe countless times–serving as a warning sign that our democracy is on the edge. Though these autocratic actions may be federal in their origin, the impacts are felt on the ground in local communities where philanthropy has the power and responsibility to respond.

Speakers
Shruti Garg, Program Officer, The James Irvine Foundation
Jill Garvey, Co-Director, States at the Core
Frances Valdez, Executive Director, Houston in Action
Joanne Lin, Executive Director, Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

Moderator
Hanh Le, Co-CEO, iF, a Foundation for Radical Possibility