The Link
June/July 2022
TPC’s Statement Regarding the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Since its inception, The Philanthropy Connection has served to champion the needs of individuals and families living in Massachusetts. We recognize that the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade impacts individuals, families, and communities across our state and beyond.
TPC stands with past grantees in acknowledging the ways that health equity, socioeconomic inequality, and reproductive justice intersect with this recent ruling. At this tumultuous time in our nation’s history, we remain committed to our belief statements, which underscore the importance of understanding and dismantling systemic inequities, and sustaining a community that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. To this end, TPC encourages its members to bolster their understanding of the Supreme Court’s decision and its impact on specific states. We have provided a list of resources to assist members in staying apprised of state reactions to the ruling and identifying ways to use philanthropy and/or advocacy as a tool to support those who need it most. TPC practices principles of trust-based philanthropy as an organization, and encourages members interested in donating to reproductive causes to practice these principles as well. As TPC processes ways to continue closing gaps of inequity, we look forward to exploring opportunities for members to learn more about reproductive rights and reproductive justice. (Read more…)
Interested in Advocacy?
The Advocacy Task Force has explored ways in which TPC as a 501(c)(3) organization (a tax-deductible nonprofit) might engage in advocacy work. Advocacy expands TPC’s impact by addressing the concerns of our grantees in a more systemic way – one focus of our most recent strategic plan. The task force encourages any and all members to join us (via Zoom) on July 22 at 3:00 pm to discuss next steps: the ways in which TPC might implement approved advocacy efforts. Please contact Kathryn Soderholm or Susan Sidel if you are interested in learning more and possibly joining the task force. If you would like to participate but can’t join us July 22, please still get in touch. We are eager to hear from you.
Volunteer Opportunities
August 1 through August 7. We encourage you to join the more than 50% of fellow members that have completed the 7-Day Racial Equity Challenge, an excellent learning experience. TPC is committed to action that includes addressing systemic racism and identifying improvements to become more equitable and inclusive. The Challenge offers participants a self-guided learning journey to examine the history and impacts of racism and other structural inequities. It also helps us as a collective to deepen our learning about and commitment to racial equity. Please register today!
Monday, September 19, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Please save the date for TPC’s 10-Year Anniversary celebration! This fully in-person event will be held outdoors at the Signature Pavilion Lawn on D (420 D Street, Boston), complete with a tent in case of a fall shower. An invitation will be sent soon with details of the program.
RESPOND, Inc is looking for a new Director of Programs and Services. RESPOND partners with individuals, families, and communities to end the serious public health issue of domestic violence. Please see the link for more details about this job opening.
Member Impact: Cheryl Katz of C&J Katz Design and BEST Hospitality
Member’s Design Expertise Meets Grantee’s Art Display Need
When TPC member Cheryl Katz and her husband Jeffrey launched their design studio more than 30 years ago, they did so with the belief that design could be used as a problem-solving tool. Cheryl relates, “We were less interested in issues of up-to-the minute design, though of course we didn’t ignore trends, but in creating environments that allowed inhabitants both at home and in the workplace to be surrounded by beauty and comfort.” (Read more…)
DEI Spotlight
Diversity | Equity | Inclusion
For those in the workforce, you may have had the day off on June 20. For others, you may have seen Juneteenth trending on social media or marketed commercially as the day approached. Why? Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, is the newest federal holiday.
Though only recently declared a federal holiday in 2021, the holiday itself has a long history. It began as “Jubilee Day,” a day organized by freed people in Texas in 1866 before becoming “Juneteenth,” an officially recognized Texas holiday in 1979. It has been gaining widespread recognition recently.
If you’d like to learn more about Juneteenth, we invite you to make use of the following resources:
- Video and Transcript: Juneteenth Special: Historian Clint Smith on Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
- Op-Ed: The True Meaning of Juneteenth
- Article: Four Enduring Myths About Juneteenth are not Based on Facts
- Juneteenth was Finally Recognized as a Federal Holiday. Then Came Commercialization
Want to share feedback, ideas or resources? Please email us directly at: Diversity@thephilanthropyconnection.org.