Philanthropy, Justice and a Chance for Change

On November 10, this year’s National Philanthropy Day takes a new focus

We fundraisers are enthusiastic about what we do.  Every day, we get to channel human compassion and generosity for the common good.  It’s a pretty satisfying gig.  

But some things are even more important than philanthropy, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us:

"Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary."

On November 10, National Philanthropy Day, let’s take a moment to make sure we’re not overlooking philanthropy’s potential to promote social justice.

From noon-1:15 PM, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter (AFPSEWI), will host “The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Equity and Inclusion,” a panel discussion among top community thought-leaders, including Christopher Boston, Senior Pastor, Lamb of God Missionary Baptist Church, Ellen Gilligan, CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Joe’Mar Hooper, Executive Director of Safe & Sounds, Brianna Saz-Perez, Executive Director of Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, and Tony Shields, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Philanthropic Network.  Register for the virtual event here.

AFPSEWI usually celebrates this day with a big luncheon, grand speeches, and awards for area philanthropists and fundraisers.  This year is different (how many times have you heard that in recent months?). Our celebration will be slim on self-congratulation and deep on calls to action.

In 2020 – a year that will surely set a new course for our society’s future --  maybe that’s as it should be.

Please join us.

2020 National Philanthropy Day Details & Registration
 

On Philanthropy appears monthly in the Milwaukee Business Journal for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter.  This month’s column is contributed by Doug Diefenbach.