Resourcing the Field

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** Resourcing the Field: A Builder’s Moment
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September 10, 2025

In today’s newsletter, we examine many different aspects of resourcing the field—specifically looking at how nonprofits, social movements, and civil society as a whole can build a sound foundation on which democratic practices may flourish.

We begin with an article by three Black consulting firm leaders, who make the case ([link removed]) that now is the time for nonprofits and philanthropy to dig deep and double down on racial justice goals. Today’s crises, they suggest, could set the conditions for future liberation. As the authors explain, “When forests burn, they create conditions for new growth. When fields lie fallow, they regenerate.”

The remaining articles each build on this theme. First, longtime nonprofit leader Jan Masaoka concludes her series on volunteerism by underscoring the connections between volunteering, nonprofits, self-provision, and democracy ([link removed]) . Next, James Browning shares insights on how to avoid funding your opponents ([link removed]) . Finally, Brea Baker writes about how relationships, community building, and storytelling ([link removed]) can help resource movements to support multiracial democracy for the long haul.

As you read these accounts, I hope you get some ideas on how to resource both your own work and that of movement colleagues. As the authors of the articles featured today explain, we can get further together.

Steve Dubb

Senior Editor

Economic Justice


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** Must-Read Articles
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Clamoring for Equity: Now Is a Builder’s Moment

by Melissa DeShields, Keecha Harris, and Carmen JM Simon

Today, faced with a rising tide of authoritarianism, many in nonprofits and philanthropy are lying low. But what is required is something else entirely: building for the future.
Read Article ([link removed])
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Volunteers and Nonprofits Are Drivers of Democracy

by Jan Masaoka

Nonprofits regularly depend on volunteers to meet their missions. Do you know what else depends on volunteers? Democracy. Time to get to work on that!
Read Article ([link removed])
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How to Avoid Greenwashing and Trump-Proof Your Nonprofit Advocacy

by James Browning

Are the policy advocates that your nonprofit hires aligned with your views? Often, the answer is no—and that can harm you. Here’s how to avoid funding your opponents.
Read Article ([link removed])
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Designing Counternarratives for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary

by Brea Baker

In Asheville, NC, Black and Indigenous narrative leaders came together this summer to imagine new stories of liberation as the United States nears its 250th anniversary.
Read Article ([link removed])

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Downloadable HR Compliance Toolkit 2025 ([link removed])

HR compliance is essential but often overlooked. Unemployment Risk Solutions created the HR Compliance Toolkit—a practical, ready-to-use resource to assist you in maintaining compliance.

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** Check out our upcoming webinars.
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Stop Losing Institutional Knowledge ([link removed])

Staff turnover drains time and memory. Learn how to plan training that captures and shares essential knowledge across your nonprofit team.

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Resourcing the Field is a biweekly newsletter focusing on how we resource the health, wellness, and sustainability of ourselves, our teams, and our impact. From philanthropy to mental health, financial planning to mergers, these are the hard, needed stories, tools, and insights to fuel sustainable workplaces and meaningful community impact.

Copyright (C) 2025. All rights reserved.

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