How to Give with Courage: A Guide for People with Wealth
In an era of growing social consciousness and the urgent need for change, progressive and radical social justice movements are at the forefront of transforming society. As a person with wealth, regardless of your racial or ethnic background, you have a unique opportunity to support these movements and make a meaningful impact. This guide aims to provide you with a step-by-step framework for giving with courage. By embracing this journey, you can use your resources to drive positive change and contribute to a more equitable world.
Step 1: Educate Yourself
To effectively use your wealth to end systemic injustices, it is crucial to understand the historical context, systemic oppression, and the experiences of those who are most impacted by injustice. This knowledge will inform your giving strategy and ensure that your support aligns with the needs and priorities of the communities you want to be in solidarity with..
Some useful resources to help frame how you understand our current political moment in the US:
“The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee
“The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century” by Grace Lee Boggs
"Emergent Strategy" by adrienne maree brown
“Decolonizing Wealth” by Edgar Villanueva
Step 2: Listen and Build Relationships
Authentic allyship requires active listening and building genuine relationships with grassroots organizations and activists. Attend community events, engage in dialogue, and seek out opportunities to connect with individuals who are on the frontlines of social change. By amplifying and centering their experiences, you can ensure that your philanthropy is rooted in the needs and aspirations of the communities you aim to support.
Step 3: Reflect on Your Privilege
Recognize and reflect on the privilege that comes with wealth. Understand that your power and resources have historically been used to reinforce inequities. Reflect on your own biases, assumptions, and blind spots, and challenge yourself to address them. Engaging in self-work is a crucial step toward redistributing power and dismantling oppressive systems.
Step 4: Share Decision-Making Power
Traditional philanthropy often perpetuates power imbalances. Challenge this dynamic by sharing decision-making power with the communities you support. Involve grassroots leaders and activists in the grant-making process, seek their input, and trust their expertise. By doing so, you honor their agency and recognize that they are the experts in their own struggles and solutions.
Step 5: Fund for Long-Term Impact
Invest in grassroots organizations and movements with long-term, sustainable strategies for social change. Rather than focusing solely on immediate needs, consider supporting initiatives that address root causes and work toward systemic transformation. Fund efforts that center on community organizing, advocacy, policy change, and capacity-building, as these have the potential for lasting impact.
Step 6: Take Risks and Embrace Uncomfortable Conversations
Courageous giving requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Be open to taking risks and supporting innovative, grassroots initiatives that challenge the status quo. Embrace uncomfortable conversations with others, including fellow wealthy individuals and your own social circles. Use your privilege to educate and encourage others to join the movement for justice and equity.
Step 7: Reflect, Evaluate, and Adapt
Regularly reflect on your philanthropic journey. Evaluate the impact of your giving and the strategies you employ. Seek feedback from the communities you support and remain open to learning and evolving. Adapt your approach to address emerging needs and stay responsive to changing social contexts.
“Real wealth is not the possession of property but the recognition that our deepest need, as human beings, is to keep developing our natural and acquired powers to relate to other human beings.”
