The underlying problem is that fear—not imagination—still sets the terms, reinforcing systems that prioritize the safety of institutions and wealth over the well-being of communities, and control over partnership.
In Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and across the country, communities are carrying the weight of this moment. Local organizers and civic leaders are risking harassment, political targeting, violence, and censorship. They are defending voting rights, protecting vulnerable families, and holding fragile coalitions together.
Simply put, those with the fewest resources are bearing the greatest risk. The question before us is: how do we show up for them?
Communities already possess the shared understanding, deep relationships, vision, and wisdom required to thrive. What they are denied is resources and trust. This is where our courage comes into play.
Too often, philanthropy misjudges where the real risk lies. For grassroots leaders and activists, the risk is immediate and personal—their safety, their livelihoods, and their freedom. Yet inside our institutions, we behave as though the greater danger is to ourselves.
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