Dear Friends,

As we celebrate Black History Month, questions about its purpose will inevitably arise in the public discourse as they do every year. People who buy into the erroneous idea of a post-racial America believe that it’s irrelevant or even harmful. Others argue that setting aside one month ends up diminishing the 400-year old historical legacy of Black Americans.

Such questions aside, we celebrate Black History Month during a time in our collective history where it is so very clear that Black lives continue to be treated as less-than, where systems (and our individual participation in them) continue to privilege some groups at the expense of others. In such a climate, this is an opportunity to celebrate Black history and honor Black lives.

It is also an opportunity to ask ourselves--how do we build a future where Black lives matter, where all lives matter? The present always turns into the past—it becomes history. When we look back at this time, will we be proud of our collective history?

What we do in the present determines the answer to that question. At EPIP, we are working to develop and connect changemakers --- leaders who are working for a more inclusive present and a more sustainable future.

Sincerely,

Christen Lee
Program Manager | Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy

This February, we are highlighting Measuring a Leader’s Strategic and Analytical skills, which include:

• Anticipating future needs and trends
• Creating competitive strategies and plans
• Thinking broadly when analyzing an issue or presented with a challenge

We’re also highlighting some of the ways that members are demonstrating these skills, such as:

• Writing on future trends in philanthropy or issues of interest
• Sharing examples of strategic plans they have created at work or in their volunteerism
• Highlighting a list of publications they regularly read on issues impacting the field