Reflections on #BAMEOnline 2021 - by Shasta Ali
Shasta Ali of the Corra Foundation found #BAMEOnline Conference restorative, here she shares her key learnings from last year.
For most people, the pandemic has been incredibly challenging. If you’re like me, you’ve gone through every emotion possible at the speed of lightning. However, in a digital sense, it’s also made the world smaller and more accessible. As a working mother of young children, I’ve welcomed the opportunity to connect with people and organisations, where pre-pandemic, this might not have been possible. In anti-racism work this has been a game changer.
#BAMEOnline is one such example. For two years running, I’ve connected with and learnt so much from the expertise in the virtual sea of squares that took over my screen. Renewing and restoring my energy in a time most needed.
My highlight: A (not so) brief history of philanthropy and imperialism
We’re at a crucial moment in history where many foundations, funders and institutions are rightfully examining the roots of their accumulated wealth. Khadijah Diskin’s session exploring the history of philanthropy and its relationship with imperialism was the thread that ran through the whole conference for me.
The thread being, to understand the global structures of racism, we need to understand imperialism and its features like colonialism as ‘technologies of power.’ Where racism is a system of oppression reinforced and maintained over time, and importantly one that philanthropy has deep seated roots in.
At times, this thread flowed seamlessly through sessions and I found myself virtually nodding along,embracing the validation that I needed as a person of colour in the charity sector. Other times it tugged on my conscience, snapping me back to reality, making me furiously scribble down ‘lightbulb’ quotes.
As someone whose ancestry comes from a former colonised country – who sees and feels the intergenerational effects of the legacy of imperialism to this day - these words sit defiantly with me in a space of resonance.
Takeaway Points
1. Historical legacy of extraction and exploitation
Aptly as ever, Derek Bardowell spoke of the need to ‘unpick the DNA of philanthropy.’
Recognising that
Charities are institutions that have roots in colonial extraction
Accumulated wealth in the sector comes from a history of violence and oppression, and at the expense of people and the planet
2. How can fundraising support the anti-racist movement?
Weaving throughout the day were thoughtful conversations for the need for progressive and reparative action including:
Redistributing power, wealth and resources #DecolonisingWealth
A shift towards justice, especially racial justice
Acknowledging racism is a lived reality, not a #trend
Using participatory and reconciliatory ways to invest in collective healing for marginalised communities, who are still hurting today
3. Lived experience led funding
Foundations that are diverse, inclusive and have a focus on equitable outcomes are well placed to tackle inequalities:
Lived experience leaders are fundamental in equitable funding
Marginalised communities need to see themselves reflected at decision making when applying for funds
4. Some advice for fundraisers
Align with funders who share your vision
Collaborate to drive your power to solve problems
Move past responding to symptoms, to healing the root causes of injustice
Be the change that’s needed in the sector
My key self-reflection
‘Choosing joy as an act of resistance’ – Anu Priya and Aanchal Clare
I can and should honour my authenticity
It’s ok to be ‘more me and not less me’,
Being resilient all the time in the face of adversity is exhausting
How I will prioritise restorative energy
Stay grounded
Set boundaries
Create the space for healing
Build alliances, friendships and allies
At Corra Foundation, like many other funders and foundations, we’re on a journey advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Within our commitment to DEI, is a strong focus on racial justice and being an anti-racist organisation. At the heart of this, is an inspirational staff team and leadership striving to become a truly equitable funder by embedding anti-racism and DEI into our thinking, ways of working and grant making.
Shasta Ali, Corra Foundation
Tickets are now on sale for #BAMEOnline 2022 Conference
