More than 600 nonprofits, funders, philanthropists, and civic leaders from all across Inland Southern California attended Inland Empire Community Foundation’s (IECF) recent Policy and Philanthropy Summit. The annual event, entitled “Common Ground for the Common Good,” ran Aug 6 and 7 at the Riverside Convention Center.
In an era when differences can overshadow common goals, one of the summit’s goals to offer opportunities to find a shared purpose during complex times. By creating room to “listen, learn, and work toward solutions that reflect the diverse voices of our communities,” IECF’s summit gave Inland Empire leaders united for common good ample time to engage in dynamic discussions and break-out sessions, and to find meaningful connections.
With an overarching focus on “Vital Conditions for Well-Being,” the issues addressed covered topics ranging from housing and education to health and the idea of belonging. The event also illuminated innovative strategies and partnerships that are transforming the Inland Empire into “a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient region.”
“We have the leaders, the vision, and the will to create lasting change in the Inland Empire,”
Added Michelle Decker, IECF President & CEO. “Our goal was simple: to find common ground and use it as a foundation to build stronger, more connected communities.”
To that end, IECF welcomed Angela Glover Blackwell as the keynote speaker. Blackwell, considered one of the country’s most respected voices on equity and opportunity, is the founder of PolicyLink, a research and action institute that strives to redesign the nation in ways that allows it to “govern for all.” During her keynote address, Blackwell observed, “It seems that this is a moment in which common ground is hard to get to. And those kinds of moments are exciting. They’re exciting because people have to talk to each other, spend time and pull apart what’s going on. We have to stretch and allow that vision to be the thing we organize around.”
PolicyLink has been heralded for driving strategies aimed at advancing a new design of the nation’s laws and regulations, and new values that shape customs and norms.
This kind of “big picture” thinking is key at an event designed to unite change agents.
IECF was quick to note its appreciation to several sponsors, including the Gates Foundation and the Randall Lewis, Janell Lewis & The Lewis Group of Companies for their support as presenting sponsors. Title Sponsors included U.S. Bank and Wingate Foundation.
For inquiries about sponsorship opportunities, contact Brie Griset Smith, CSPG, Chief Development Officer, at bgrisetsmith@iegives.org or visit www.iegives.org/policy-platform.
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