If your public policy headspace is at max capacity between your voter engagement work and trying to keep up with the dizzying news cycle in the runup to next week’s midterm elections, you’re not alone.
We know it’s going to be overwhelming. Take a deep breath. Then join us in Los Angeles the week after midterms for Upswell!
This gathering of 1,000 changemakers from around the country is a great opportunity to refocus and regroup as we continue to pursue public policy outcomes that improve our communities. Upswell LA, happening November 14-16, has a rich lineup of dedicated policy and advocacy presentations highlighting compelling stories and outstanding challenges around the country that will inspire you to finish this year strong, and begin 2019 with new ideas, resources, and maybe even some new connections.
Here’s the Upswell policy and advocacy lineup at a glance:
Wednesday, November 14
Realizing the California Dream
Presented by Northern California Grantmakers
In the face of all that we are confronting in our communities, what would it look like to set forth – and to pursue – a shared positive vision for the world starting in our own backyard? This is a clarion call for unprecedented partnership and engagement from all sectors. In this workshop, participants will have an opportunity to contribute to a response to that question and come away with ideas and approaches to generate their own vision for an equitable, just, and inclusive state and country.
Speakers
- Steve Barton, Northern California Grantmakers
- Cecilia Chen, Northern California Grantmakers
- Ellen LaPointe, Northern California Grantmakers
Thursday, November 15
The Problem with Large-Scale Philanthropy
Presented by Paul Brest, Former Dean and Professor Emeritus (active), Stanford Law School
Large-scale philanthropy can pose large-scale problems for its grantee organizations, intended beneficiaries, and for democratic decision making more broadly. Join scholars and practitioners in a conversation about the nature of problems and potential solutions, including requiring broader participation in grantmaking, greater transparency, modifying the charitable tax deduction, and limiting advocacy, and leave with ideas for solutions in the future.
Speakers
- Paul Brest, Stanford University
- David Callahan, Inside Philanthropy
- Jan Masaoka, California Association of Nonprofits
- Rob Reich, Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
How Healthy is the Nonprofit Sector?
Just as fitness and wellness tracking programs help us monitor our personal well-being, tracking the nonprofit sector’s health can be a valuable resource for funders, policymakers, and advocates working to meet nonprofit needs and improve the environment in which we work. Join a team of experts for a discussion about plans for a Nonprofit Sector Health Index and learn how early findings related to financial health, voting, and employment may be indicators about the road ahead.
Speakers
- Alan Abramson, Nonprofit Management Center, George Mason University
- Allison Grayson, Independent Sector
- Brian Miller, Nonprofit Vote
- Barbara Rose, Nonprofit Finance Fund
- Natasha Cunningham, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Lester Salamon, Johns Hopkins University Center for Civil Society Studies
The Policy Battle Between Idealism and Pragmatism
Nonprofits often face policy decisions that pit our ideals (what we really need) against compromise (what we can get). Join us for a discussion about the rewards and pitfalls of these two strategies, featuring a case study on charitable giving. You will leave with better understanding of this common policy challenge and strategies to overcome potential deadlock in your own policy work or coalition.
Speakers
- Stacey Chen, Redstone Strategy Group, LLC
- Emily Peterson-Cassin, Public Citizen’s Bright Lines Project
Staying Nonpartisan in a Politically Charged Environment
What do you do when someone suddenly declares your mission a partisan issue? In a society where everything is red or blue, how do you change systems without getting pulled down into the partisan muck? Hear from experts why it’s critically important for nonprofits to participate in public debates on partisan issues, even when our instinct is to disengage. You will leave this session with the skills to wade into controversial issues in service of your mission, but also maintain your credentials as a trusted purple place in your community.
Speakers
- Judy Darnell, United Ways of California
- Kristina Gawrgy Campbell, Independent Sector
- Jeremie Greer, Prosperity Now
Your 2019 Policy Game Plan
Elections are out of the way and it’s time for a policy reboot. Download the latest developments in the ever-changing world of policy at the national and state levels to get you ready to tackle all of the issues affecting your organization in 2019. Join experts to develop strategies on issues such as charitable giving, political activity, and taxes. You will leave the session armed with knowledge of the playing field and equipment needed to win the policy game in the coming year.
Speakers
- Ben Kershaw, Independent Sector
- Robert Lynch, Americans for the Arts
- Jan Masaoka, California Association of Nonprofits
- Heather Meade, Washington Council Ernst & Young
A Decade Review of Philanthropy and Equity in California
Presented by Building Movement Project
Ten years ago, the philanthropy community in California banded together to defeat regulation from the state to mandate that they fund communities of color—opting to instead, self-regulate. How did that go? Did nonprofits run by people of color, serving communities of color get the money they would have if government mandated it? Which nonprofits benefited from “self-regulation” and which are still left out of the process? In this session, you’ll explore the opportunities and challenges with self regulating equity and how successes can be replicated elsewhere.
Speakers
- Orson Aguilar, The Greenlining Institute
- Judy Belk, The California Wellness Foundation
- Fred Blackwell, The San Francisco Foundation
- Shane Goldsmith, Liberty Hill Foundation
- Alberto Retana, Community Coalition
- Sean Thomas-Breitfeld, Building Movement Project
How Changemaking Mayors Are Building Trust and Community
Presented by Cities of Service
Across the country, mayors are shaking up the relationship between government and community by reframing conversations toward on-the-ground solutions and working directly with residents to build trust. Hear from changemaking mayors who are tackling issues such as income inequality, health disparities, and public safety by bringing positive change to scale and making a real difference for communities often left behind.
Speakers:
- Myung J. Lee, Cities of Service
- G.T. Bynum, City of Tulsa
- Sam Liccardo, City of San Jose
Friday, November 16
Advocacy Without Fear
Presented by The Bridgespan Group
Public sentiment reflects support for nonprofits taking on a larger role in public policy and advocacy – but often the funding doesn’t follow. In this interactive discussion, you will learn to leverage available advocacy tools to gain donor support for advocacy efforts. Walk away with an actionable framework you can use to discuss your organization’s advocacy ambitions with your donors.
Speakers
- Jennifer Erickson, Former White House Assistant Director of Innovation and Growth
- Darren Isom, Memphis Music Initiative
- Susan Wolf Ditkoff, The Bridgespan Group
Sustaining Collective Action Through Setbacks
You are 10 years into your mission and the indicators of progress do not look good, but research has shown long-term policy gains can take 10-30 years to materialize. How do you persevere? Using case studies of homelessness in Los Angeles and Seattle and marriage equality in California, you will learn how to do all of the right things to assess, celebrate, and keep people motivated as you work for your mission.
Speakers
- Sarah Kastelic, National Indian Child Welfare Association
- Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, L.A. Family Housing
- Marc Solomon, Civitas Public Affairs
Though these sessions are policy specific, we encourage you take a look at the full schedule and complete speaker lineup, as lots of great work is being highlighted through the three days in LA, and there will be ample opportunities to use the space and colleagues there to finesse some of your own insights and ideas so you can leave LA reinvigorated. Visit upswell.org to learn more.
