A Philanthropy New York Members Briefing sponsored by Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The New York Community Trust, and The Clark Foundation, with Philanthropy Connects.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: All interested funders.
A related program of interest:
Turbulent Economic and Budget Times: What Lies Ahead and How Should Grantmakers Respond?
Monday, July 19th
3:00 to 5:00 PM
Location: Philanthropy New York
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
8:30 to 9:00 AM Check-in and coffee
9:00 to 11:00 AM Program
Connect the dots between your foundation’s issues and Albany reform, and hear about current efforts to leverage systemic change.
Every day, a new story seems to surface about Albany gone wrong. Special interests trump the common good, issues stall and the real problems of New Yorkers go unsolved in the scrum of partisan politics and scandal. Not to mention a looming fiscal crisis of unprecedented proportions. This persistent noxious climate makes it harder for your grantees to provide services or advocate effectively, whatever their issue or constituency.
Whether your grantmaking targets housing, health, food security, environmental issues, better jobs, immigrants, cultural vibrancy, economic justice, stronger neighborhoods – or virtually anything that affects New Yorkers’ well-being – this discussion applies. Learn how funders and advocates working together can challenge the status quo to create real change.
Our presenters will speak to:
- Issues of advocacy, particularly as they relate to disenfranchised communities who are not “dues-paying” members of protected special interests
- How we got into this position, what the leverage points for change are, and why opportunities for change exist now.
- The intersection of government/corporate sector/public interest from the perspective of economic development, education, and housing.
- The State legislative perspective – and frustrations with the status quo.
The session will also touch on current efforts underway to repair Albany’s broken system.
PRESENTERS
• Ana María Archila, Co-Executive Director, Make the Road NY.
• Dick Dadey, Executive Director, Citizens Union of the City of New York.
• Richard Kahan, Founder and CEO, The Urban Assembly.
• Diane J. Savino, New York State Senator (D), 23rd District.
Pat Swann (moderator), Senior Program Officer, Community Development and the Environment, New York Community Trust.