The events of the last several weeks have left me feeling confused, upset, angry, frustrated and most of all heartbroken. I don’t know how to make the change required in our country or world, but I know I need more information, more conversations, and a community to learn from, reflect with, and ultimately take action with to increase equity, inclusion, and open-mindedness. To me, that is what this year’s EPIP Conference, Elevate: Ourselves, Our Work, Our World, offers.

The first plenary session, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Accomplishments and Unfinished Business, allows us, as part of the philanthropic community, an opportunity to reflect on commitments made and what is still yet to be done. I am most looking forward to the practical advice the presenters will provide on how to encourage the incorporation of these values into the culture and structure of our workplaces. The second plenary session, Place, Power and Politics: Learning from Baltimore (and Beyond), allows attendees to engage with the city and community leaders who have worked at a grassroots level to drive equitable change and hear lessons learned regarding the partnership between local organizations and philanthropy. (Read about all the plenaries here.)

I hope you will join us for these important conversations, and many more. Even though Early Bird Registration is over there is still time to participate. Register here today!

See you there!

Maggie Snyder, ECMC Foundation

EPIP Member & EPIP National Conference 2016 Planning Committee Member