Ten Takeaways from SCG's 2023 Annual Conference, Reimagine Our Economy

SCG's 2023 Annual Conference, REIMAGINE Our Economy, invited funders to envision a new economy rooted in mutuality and collective prosperity. For our Closing Plenary Session, Reimagining Philanthropy's Role in a Solidarity Economy, we had the honor of hosting Fatima Angeles (Levi Strauss Foundation), Chet P. Hewitt (Sierra Health Foundation), Sandy Ho (Borealis Philanthropy), and Dr. Manuel Pastor (USC Equity Research Institute) who discussed philanthropy's role in building a solidarity economy rooted in interdependence, repair, and collective prosperity. 

Dr. Manuel Pastor moderated this session inspired by the book he wrote alongside opening plenary speaker Chris Benner titled Solidarity Economics: Why Mutuality and Movements Matter. Following our event, Manuel generously composed his top ten takeaways from our conference to share with other attendees invested in advancing economic justice.  

1. Narrative is key. Behind the politics of division is an economic scarcity narrative. Unless we have a different model and narrative, making progress in our economy will be challenging.

2. In doing this, we must listen to and take directions from those in the field. Top-down dictates won't work, and neither will a top-down narrative. We need to ensure community groups are empowered to steer the process and impact philanthropic giving.

3. We need to center racial equity. We must combat the long-lasting impacts of racism because, to quote Angela Glover Blackwell, anti-Blackness in the U.S. sets the "protocols of oppression" that affect so many other groups. The fight for racial equity furthers our collective liberation.

4. This is why discussing reparations is so essential. The particular policies regarding reparations can be debated, but the consciousness around asset stripping must be elevated. Reparations is about our values to address the past, heal the present, and build the future.

5. As we build movements, we need to recognize the importance of healing, particularly given the past traumas experienced by new leaders. All this can be done in a way that balances the internal work of healing – internal to people and an organization – with the external imperative for impact and organizational effectiveness.

6. We need to value arts and music in this work of structural change. Art is about making meaning and is fundamental in advancing new narratives that rewire our brains so that we see "our" economy and the power of mutuality and community.

7. That said, we also need to invest in data capacities. It is helpful to show up with a soulful plea for justice that is deeply rooted in empirical analysis to make an impeccable case for what could make a difference.

8. Solidarity is key. Solidarity means standing with, not standing for, people or communities. We should be centering the voices of those most affected rather than articulating and elevating the visions of "experts."

9. We need to be steady. Social change takes time, and we must be patient about strategic implementation. Philanthropy's sometimes short-term thinking focused on deliverables needs to shift towards long-term support for transformation. Philanthropy is slowly moving in this direction today.

10. We also need to be bold. In a world on fire – with crises of multiracial democracy, income inequality, and disastrous climate change – we as movements and funders need to stretch further than we ever have before. We need to make bets on what could work and the organizations that can make it happen.