Trust, Power, and Joy: Pam Ross and Mark Lewis Discuss the Past, Present, and Futures of Philanthropy
Keynote observations from the Common Ground Gathering
Note: This is part of a series of posts related to storytelling the experiences of the 2024 Common Ground Gathering, held in Indianapolis (May 14–17) in celebration of The Learning Tree’s 10th anniversary.
On the second day of the Common Ground Gathering, attendees were treated to an enlightening keynote discussion between Pam Ross, formerly of the Indianapolis Foundation, and Mark Lewis, President and CEO of the Poise Foundation. The session, moderated by Allison Acevedo, set the stage for a deep dive into the intricacies of philanthropy, emphasizing themes of trust, power dynamics, and the critical role of joy in community empowerment.
Introduction
Allison Acevedo kicked off the session with a heartfelt introduction, acknowledging the significance of vulnerability, sharing, and learning within the space. Her remarks highlighted the contributions of community leaders from Philadelphia, setting a tone of gratitude and respect for the grassroots efforts that underpin effective philanthropy. She stated, “We can share, we can learn, and we can take back to our community.”
Pam Ross and Mark Lewis: Backgrounds and Contributions
Pam Ross, affectionately known as “Boss Ross,” shared her journey from Phoenix to Indianapolis, where she took on the challenge of integrating racial equity into the fabric of the Indianapolis Foundation. Her work involved promoting systemic change and embedding a culture of accountability and antiracism within the organization. Pam’s narrative underscored the importance of institutional transformation and the power of individual agency in driving long-term change. She reflected, “I stayed because of my impact and my commitment to leaving that there would be an actual institutional change.”
Leading the Poise Foundation in Pittsburgh, Mark Lewis brought a wealth of experience in community engagement and economic empowerment. He shared the story of the foundation’s origins and mission to support Black communities through collective resource mobilization. Mark’s insights into trust-based philanthropy and the structural challenges of white supremacy culture resonated deeply with the audience. He remarked, “We have to understand the Black community, and that understanding comes from building genuine relationships.”
Trust and Power Dynamics in Philanthropy
”Trust-based philanthropy starts with asking who you are not trusting and why. Only then can we build genuine relationships and make real change.” — Pam Ross
Both Mark and Pam emphasized the need for philanthropy to build genuine relationships with communities. Mark highlighted the concept of trust-based philanthropy, urging foundations to ask themselves who they are not trusting and why. Pam echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of vulnerability and authentic engagement in dismantling power imbalances. Pam noted, “If you’re not willing to talk about who you’re not trusting, then we shouldn’t even be talking about the essence of trust.”
Racial Equity and Institutional Accountability
Pam discussed her role in leading the Indianapolis Foundation toward becoming an antiracist organization. She emphasized the need for institutions to be held accountable by their communities. Mark added that philanthropy must recognize and address its own structural biases to support marginalized communities truly. He pointed out, “Most philanthropy doesn’t understand the black community because it doesn’t have relationships with the black community.”
Joy as a Catalyst for Change
”If you want violence reduced, then you need to start investing in joy. Black joy is essential for creating resilient and thriving communities.” — Pam Ross
A standout theme was the idea of centering joy in philanthropic efforts. Pam shared the success of the Black Joy Festival in Indianapolis, an initiative that celebrates Black culture and funds smaller Black-led organizations. This focus on joy, she argued, is essential for creating resilient and thriving communities. Funds can help reduce violence and foster unity by investing in joy-producing community initiatives. Pam emphasized, “If you want violence reduced, then you need to start investing in joy.”
Collective Power and Grassroots Empowerment
”We have $1 trillion of disposable income. Yet we do not come together to actualize any of that power. It’s time we harness our collective Black power through grassroots mobilization.” — Mark Lewis
Mark emphasized the importance of developing grassroots Black power through collective resource mobilization. He shared how the Poise Foundation uses community ambassadors to ensure meaningful engagement and representation. Mark underscored that the Black community possesses significant economic power, which must be harnessed through collective action. He stated, “We have $1 trillion of disposable income. Yet we do not come together to actualize any of that power.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Both Pam and Mark highlighted the role of community ambassadors in bridging the gap between foundations and the communities they serve. Mark recounted how the Poise Foundation utilized community ambassadors to ensure meaningful engagement and representation. Pam reinforced the idea that collective power, supported by community-driven solutions, is key to sustainable impact. They stressed the importance of educating and empowering young people as community ambassadors to build future leaders.
Salient Themes and Takeaways
Investing in Joy: The conversation repeatedly circled back to the idea that joy is a byproduct and a vital component of effective philanthropy. Funders can foster environments where communities can thrive by creating spaces that celebrate joy. Pam’s work with the Black Joy Festival is a testament to the transformative power of joy.
Grassroots Black Power: Mark’s focus on developing grassroots Black power was clear in his emphasis on collective action and economic empowerment. The Poise Foundation’s work demonstrates how pooling resources and empowering community ambassadors can drive significant change.
Long-Term Thinking: Both speakers criticized the short-term strategic plans often favored in philanthropy. They advocated for a long-term, patient approach that acknowledges the deep-rooted nature of social issues.
Empowering the Next Generation: The importance of educating and empowering young people as community ambassadors was underscored. This approach not only builds future leaders but also ensures that the wisdom of older generations is passed down effectively.
Conclusion
The keynote discussion between Pam Ross and Mark Lewis at the 2024 Common Ground Gathering was a powerful reminder of philanthropy's potential when it is rooted in trust, equity, and joy. Their insights challenge conventional practices and call for reevaluating how philanthropic institutions operate and engage with communities. As the sector moves forward, embracing these principles will be crucial for fostering genuine, sustainable change. By investing in joy and empowering grassroots Black power, philanthropy can create resilient, thriving communities.
