Oct 6, 20203 min
Global leaders on what you can do to help build a more equitable society
Rossides’ experience in civic engagement and business management inspired him to start this vibrant venue 10 years ago as a common ground for diverse leaders to gather and focus on achieving large-scale impact. Today, SIE unites over 4000 members across the globe to solve complex problems.
The central question at the conference was voiced by Melanie Schnoll Begun, Managing Director & Head of Philanthropy Management at Morgan Stanley. "How can you be a better leader, a better philanthropist, a better ally?" This core question lit the direction of the conference for these members of the corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, media and public sectors. It’s a significant moment buzzing with the energy of a unique opportunity as these groups don’t often come together to discuss how they might increase their social impact.
CONVERGING CRISES
The COVID-19 pandemic showed the fragility of our world, exacerbated and spotlighted racial and other inequities, and pointed clearly toward the urgent need for the work of our global impact investing community. Rossides shared some sound facts:
60% of Americans had $500 or less in the bank – before COVID-19.
Income and wealth disparities are higher than in the gilded age.
Single black women in this country have an average net worth of only $5.
People of color are three times more likely to die of COVID-19.
RECONCILE HARD TRUTHS
The compounding crises are a wake-up call for every individual. Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation, sees the roots for fundamental socio-economic restructuring in active private sector engagement.
Get the money moving -- in the right direction
Improving social outcomes is a complex business. A critical piece of the puzzle is having a broader and deeper toolkit of financial strategies that can support systems change efforts over the long haul and at the appropriate levels.
Award-winning philanthropy executive Edgar Villanueva also believes that wealth can heal, restore, and connect. In his provocative analysis, "Decolonizing Wealth," he explores how money used by philanthropy and finance sectors could better serve the needs of indigenous people and communities of color.