More than 600 nonprofits, funders, philanthropists, and civic leaders from all across Inland Southern California attended

In an era when differences can overshadow common goals, one of the summit’s goals was 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 the 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.”

In a new report compiled by the UCR Center for Community Solutions, Dr. Justine Ross shared findings from more than 2,300 Inland Empire residents about what it takes to thrive. The report, Building Common Ground Through Data: Insights on Vital Conditions in the IE, highlights the strong links between belonging, civic engagement, and overall quality of life, pointing to opportunities for community investment and collaboration.

Learn more about the Vital Conditions we’re working on through this video series.

“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 was thrilled to welcome 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 allow 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.

Broad coverage of the event was made possible by the attendance of more than 30 IE Journalism Innovation Hub + Fund media partners. Read some of their stories here.

We offer our heartfelt appreciation to all of our generous 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 more information, visit www.iegives.org/policy-platform.  

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