Achieving Justice for All Should Command Philanthropy's Attention in 2020 Elections
The heightened urgency to protect our democracy from outside interference in the 2020 election is getting a lot of media and political attention these days, but there’s a far more urgent need that is vital for philanthropy to foster and finance: ensuring that our democracy evolves toward greater justice.
We must not confuse democracy with creating equity or with creating a more just American society. It takes more than elections to make a sound democracy. We have lived in a democracy for more than 200 years, but never has our democracy been equitable or just for all people. As the presidential candidates develop their campaign platforms, philanthropy must press them to embrace what I call a “justocracy” — a society where the practice of democracy is not the only goal but where we deliberately use the tools of democracy to create justice for those whose rights have been historically denied and whose lives have been systematically put at a disadvantage.
That’s why in this election season, grant makers must go beyond the traditional support of groups that promote voter engagement and turnout and do more to support grassroots work as well as organizations and institutions that seek to create more just political processes and systems.
Our foundation is taking this charge to heart with a presidential forum we and other organizations are sponsoring in Pittsburgh on December 14. Through a grassroots and labor partnership called the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, our foundation — along with grassroots organizations — plan to lead the candidates in candid discussions focused on their commitment to education justice. The agenda will be shaped by the alliance, which includes organizations led by young people, parents, and educators who all seek to put justice at the center of public-education policy making.
Why Education Is Urgent
Given how many issues are at stake in the election and our focus on curbing inequality, some might wonder why education is CONTINUE READING: Achieving Justice for All Should Command Philanthropy's Attention in 2020 Elections | Schott Foundation for Public Education
