Eighteen leaders representing Native American foundations and nonprofits that provide funding and other resources to nonprofit organizations met in Cherokee, NC June 15-17 to initiate the design of regional networks that will strengthen leadership in Indian Country's philanthropic sector.  The gathering was hosted by Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) and Cherokee Preservation Foundations.

 

"We believe that an intentional network can add value to Native leadership and capacity-building programs that usually operate in silos" said Joy Persall, executive director of NAP.  "NAP works to advance philanthropic practices grounded in Native values and traditions.  While we operate on a national level, we are building regional networks in areas such as the Upper Plains, the Southwest and the Northwest for example, as a means of promoting collaboration, networking, capacity building, leadership development and strategic investment.  NAP's thinking is that each regional network will choose activities to engage in, resources to share and deepen reciprocal relationships with Native Americans in Philanthropy and its membership nationally."

 

The regional networks will build on elements of leadership that reflect Native cultures.  For centuries, indigenous communities have worked in such a way that power is shared and leadership is a dynamic, interconnected process that relies on many individuals.  "We want the regional networks to support people who do what has to be done to create healthy Native communities" said Ron Rowell, chairman of the board for Native Americans in Philanthropy and chief executive officer of the Common Counsel Foundation.  "These are people who don't want or need a light to be shined on them.  They lead with humility."

 

One of the key reasons for creating the regional networks is to help younger leaders be prepared to take the baton as leaders from baby boom generation begin to retire.  Kevin Killer, executive director for the Native Youth Leadership Alliance, said that 50% of the members of tribes in South Dakota are 18 years old or younger, and others at the meeting said demographics in their tribes are similar.  In discussing the generational leadership shift that is on the horizon, meeting participants addressed these questions:  Who are our young Native leaders?  What role should elders serve as they move out of their formal organizational roles?  How can our regional networks support cross-generational communication?

 

NAP will engage with members and allies on our 20th Anniversary Tour, assessing regional resources and deepening our relationships while supporting formation of the National Native Leadership Network.

 

Meeting participants represented the Bush Foundation, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Common Counsel Foundation, First Alaskans Institute, First Nations Development Institute, Native Americans in Philanthropy, Native Youth Leadership Alliance, New England Foundation for the Arts, Northwest Area Foundation, Seed to Lead, St. Paul Foundation, The Hopi Foundation, and Tiwahe Foundation.  Susan Jenkins, Charlie Myers and Bobby Raines represented Cherokee Preservation Foundation.

 

 

 

 

This year's Institute was held in scenic Denver, CO.  Over 125 folks from around the nation gathered in the circle of learning, collaboration and networking.  Here are some highlights of the Institute and results from the post-event survey.

 

Approximately 40% of this year's participants were first time attendees, representing a wide range of Native and non-native program leaders, Tribal leaders and designees, funders, and grant seekers from across the nation representing Native and other underserved communities

 

The entire conference generated a number of light bulb moments on how to improve the work that is done in Indian Country.  By far the most profound was the session that was lead by the NAP Circle of Leaders, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, First Nations Development Institute and Potlatch Fund LEAD fellows, and Hopi Foundation leaders (leadership development programs).  The emerging leaders generated conversation centered on key questions such as balancing tradition, change and leadership transition in Native communities.  The second most popular element of NPI was the joint panel presentations with Asian American/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy & NAP discussing Sand Creek and Camp Amache Site Tour and issues (nearly 50% of attendees ranked these as number one).  In addition to these leading dialogues, breakout sessions were well attended.  Over 78% noted the Institute as "very interactive."  One participant said, "Being able to participate in a breakout session that talked about Spirituality in the work place and being able to share experiences with non-Natives, young tribal leaders, and indigenous elders.  It was refreshing."

 

Over 50% of this year's attendees have attended NPI at least once in the last five years.  Institute evaluations show 45% of this year's attendees heard about the event from a friend or colleague.  So thank you for spreading the word and continuing to come back!

 

NAP will announce the location of the 2011 NPI by the end of the summer 2010, so organizations and individual can save the date and budget for attendance.

 

Below are a few open responses from the post-event evaluation that demonstrate that there is more to don in Indian Country and the need for NAP, with your support, to continue the work it does.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of Giving will be presented at the Money for Our Movements, A Social Justice Fundraising Conference on August 12-13 in Oakland, CA.  For more information please click here

 

 

 

 

Got NAP?  Can't wait until the next E-Newsletter?  Want more NAP now?

Get updates on what NAP is doing and where we are going.  Join the Native Americans in Philanthropy Facebook Group!!

 

It's easy!  Click here to become a member and pay later.

 

Thank you to everyone who sent Thank You in your Native language.  Here is what we have so far.  Is yours on the list?

 

 

Email the words 'thank you' and the name of your tribe and language to Elaine at yestephens@nativephilanthropy.org

 

 

The move toward more inclusive (and accurate) curricula has suffered significant blows in recent years, culminating with Arizona's ban on ethnic studies and the Texas board of education revamp of state's social studies curriculum - a change that will result in millions of textbooks in and out of Texas that downplay the separation of church and state, replace references to Cesar Chavez and Thurgood Marshall with references to Phyllis Schlafly and the Moral Majority.  Presenters on this call will explore what these policies mean for LGBTQ students and for the chances of all students to understand the history, culture, social and political realities of our communities, and what LGBTQ educators and allies are doing in the face of these challenges to diverse and inclusive curricula.

 

The second half of this call will focus on the anti-bullying/safe schools initiatives currently on the rise throughout the country.  A critical issue for queer and gender nonconforming youth (among others), approaches to hostile school environments can make the difference between a long, rich, formal education and a decision to drop out.  In some instances it is the difference between life and death.  Yet some of these initiatives have had unintended consequences, criminalizing youth without changing the underlying dynamics that fuel homophobic and transphobic harassment.  Presenters on this call will discuss the implications of "zero tolerance" policies and offer alternatives that support safe and supportive schools for our youth.

 

All teleconferences will be held from 2:30-4pm ET.  If you are interested in joining the call, please RSVP to Marvin Webb at marvin@lgbtfunders.org for dial-in information.

 

For more information about the available offices or to schedule a meeting to visit, please contact Sherita Jackson at  202-833-4690, ext. 6.

 

 

There are a number of ways you can support NAP.  There is something for every level of commitment.  Here are just a few:

 

Membership - You can become a member of NAP with a level of your choosing.  Individual gifts from members provide a large source of funding for general operating expenses such as our office space, phones, and other daily activities that are not always supported through grants.  Check out the benefits structure and become a member here.

 

In-Kind Services/Donations - Promote your business or products to Native communities.  Donate your products or services to NAP for distribution at NAP events, programs, attendees, and other opportunities.

 

Corporate and Foundation Underwriting - NAP has a range of regional and national work that is sustained through program-supported grants.  If you are a funder and you are interested in partnering with NAP or would like to know more about the work NAP is doing, contact Elaine at yestephens@nativephilanthropy.org

 

Major Giving - Individuals may offer unrestricted, philanthropic support in larger amounts (typically $1,000+).  Major gifts are the sustaining funds that often support the ongoing, strategic efforts of NAP's work across the country.

 

Endowment - Your gift can be designated to go into the NAP Endowment.  Endowments are funds that are earmarked and invested as principal to remain intact in perpetuity to ensure the security and growth of NAP.

 

Planned Giving - You can leave a powerful legacy - to ensure the future financial stability of Native philanthropy in your community.

 

Volunteer Activities - You can volunteer your time to NAP.  Volunteer opportunities range from helping with mailings to leading panel discussions at events and organizing special events.

 

How will you support NAP?  Email us today at info@nativephilanthropy.org