Divisiveness. It’s felt across the United States right now, but change is the heart of our goal in philanthropy and creating change requires that we come together. The Southeastern Council of Foundations sought to address this challenge thematically for its 49th annual meeting.
“Come Together. Bridge the Divide.”
Foundations from across the southeast gathered in Louisville, Kentucky for three days of connection. Inspired and eager to work toward bridging the divide.
In the meeting’s opening session: “Taking Sides vs. Bridging Divides,” keynote speaker and author of “The Reunited States of America: How We Can Bridge the Partisan Divide,” Mark Gerzon talked about philanthropy’s role in a polarized environment.
At the #secf49, @louisvillemayor Greg Fischer welcomes us to the annual meeting w/ some hard truths and a call to come together against racism, hate and bigotry. #tellitlikeitis #preach @secftweets
— ChildTrust Fdn (@ChildTrustFdn) November 7, 2018
Democracy isn’t about taking sides, and we’re inherently “transpartisan.”
'We know how to bridge a divide. We're walking examples of Transpartisanship.'
– Mark GerzonNew word for me. But a great one. #secf49
— Gilbert Miller (@Gilberator) November 7, 2018
Shift the conversation from debate to dialogue.
#SECF49 Opening Session:Taking sides vs. bridging divides – Mark Gerzon author of The Reunited States of America pic.twitter.com/Nc3m8fWWWJ
— Janelle Downes (@Hrupsanddownes) November 7, 2018
In order to build bridges. We have to stop speaking to each other to confirm our already held beliefs and seek to learn from each other.
“We need to go from confirming to learning.” – @Mark_Gerzon #SECF49 @secftweets pic.twitter.com/Qm9Ig650Nu
— Debra Faulk (@DKFconnects) November 7, 2018
We’re excited and inspired to learn more this week about philanthropy’s role in bringing people together.
