The Social Justice Fund has been turning philanthropy on its head by putting the grassroots, not the elites, in charge of its donations, which has dramatic effects on which organizations get funded, and what work gets done. While other foundations reduced giving in the Great Recession, the Social Justice Fund raised and granted more than ever before! Zeke, their former director, is now working to enlist more foundations in this innovative approach. In an era when it seems billionaires on the left and right determine political agendas, Zeke talks about how organizing donors can help fund transformative change. Zeke has a pretty cool story too about how he went from confrontational protesting to philanthropy as a way to fund authentic community leaders, and not attempt to supplant them.
Mike McGinn
Organizer, Climate Activist, Former Mayor
I started this podcast in 2014 because I wanted to highlight people I met when I was Mayor of Seattle. I hoped that hearing stories from people on the front lines of social change - how they got started, what they cared about - would inspire others to take action. If you go through the archives you'll find interviews with some some great people.
We're on hiatus right now, but I'm pretty sure we're coming back! And we did our best to make the prior episodes "evergreen" - not tied to topical events - so give one a try and see what you think.
A little background - the title is derived from the teachings of Marshall Ganz. Change ultimately comes from people sharing their stories to build a shared narrative of the world they want to see.
I hope you'll check out some of the prior shows, and, even better, get involved yourself in trying to change things for the better.