Defending New York

Defending New York: Navigating Legislative Advocacy in an Unstable Political Climate

In these uncertain times, social justice organizations across New York are grappling with how to pivot and shift their work while contending with a greatly reduced funding landscape. Join us for a conversation with advocacy and philanthropic leaders (Diana Konaté, African Communities Together; Kim Smith, VOCAL NY; Lisa Pilar Cowan, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation; and Meghan Maloney de Zaldivar, New York Immigration Coalition) from around the state as they discuss their perspectives on some of the key questions of this moment:

• How can our organizations respond to federal funding cuts that may impact us?

• How can philanthropy respond to the large reductions in federal funding for services and foundation funding for organizing and advocacy?

• How can philanthropy continue to support legislative advocacy at the state level amid backlash?

• Should we shift our efforts to federal advocacy vs. the state and local advocacy we’ve been doing?

This virtual panel discussion will take place on Tuesday, April 22, from 9:30-11 am on Zoom. The free event is open to policy advocates, organizers, funders, donors, community members, volunteers, and others working toward a more just and equitable New York.