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Stories of Impact
Explore diverse voices from across our impact network.
Introducing rhizōma: Where Empathy and Education Lead to Action
Have you ever stood in a thicket of bamboo?
It seems impenetrable, like a green curtain that you could disappear behind so long as you were prepared to navigate a dense tangle of stalks and spears bound together by a unique root structure – a rhizome – that makes bamboo one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. While the stalks soar upwards, the rhizome grows horizontally beneath the soil in a rapid and unpredictable fashion, serving as a communication network that connects towering thickets to each other and to the rest of the surrounding forests in ways humans are only beginning to understand.
It is no wonder that social theorists Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari took the concept of the rhizome to describe a revolutionary theory of social organization. Like a bamboo thicket, a rhizomic community spreads horizontally, without hierarchy, and its roots give rise to nodes and connections to like-minded communities. Unlike traditional structures, rhizomes possess unparalleled flexibility. They foster a harmonious, horizontally-structured network, enabling fluid growth and adaptability.
So what, then, is rhizōma?
rhizome (n.)
1832, in botany, "a stem of root-like appearance," from Modern Latin rhizoma, from Greek rhizōma "mass of tree roots," from rhizoun "cause to strike root, root into the ground, plant," from rhiza "root" (which is probably from PIE root *wrād- "branch, root"). Also in English in Modern Latin form rhizoma. Related: Rhizomic.
(Source: https://www.etymonline.com/word/rhizome)
Rhizōma is the living narrative of the growth and development of EMA Foundation’s impact network of partners. It aims to fill a critical gap by building a broadcast network for small nonprofit organizations to build awareness and bring more people into their work. It is a vibrant tapestry of stories of courage, resilience, and healing from places like Safeplace International’s Dream Academy and Haa Tóoch Lichéesh. It is a curated collection of stories of hope and promise from places like Children of the Forest.
Rhizōma is a space to learn about the underlying “why” that drives EMA and our partners, to develop empathy with the human beings behind the logos and statistics, and to consider how you might get more directly involved.
The stories that live on rhizōma are an invitation to join our community and become part of a global network. We envision rhizōma as a nexus for learning, where educators, learners, funders, and individuals from all walks of life connect with each other through diverse narratives, live events, and transformative courses designed to move people beyond donations to deeper empathy and action in support of equity.
You will hear conversations about the movement to decolonize philanthropy. You can take interactive courses from our growing Learning Center to dive deeper into the underlying issues driving the work of our partners. You will discover new and critical perspectives from young people as part of our commitment to youth agency, which we consider essential to any progress towards solutions to the issues that dominate current headlines.
For our partners and other value-aligned organizations, rhizōma provides a crucial space for networking and collaboration. Through convenings, calls for stories, and co-designed initiatives with partners and their networks, our aim is to help the rhizome grow organically. As the rhizōme grows, the thickets will converge into a thriving forest – a powerful network dedicated to equity and the growth of more just systems.
We invite you to dive into the thicket and join us for new stories every week that will move you towards empathy and action.
Traditional vs. Trust-Based Philanthropy
We understand philanthropy, in a broad sense, to be a tool for driving positive social change. But does philanthropy itself need to change?
Trust-based philanthropy is a relatively new practice offering an alternative to traditional philanthropy. The core objective is to build more equitable relationships between funders and nonprofits.
Decision Making
In traditional philanthropy structures, foundation leaders and board members are the primary decision makers. Financial decisions are driven by the board’s interest in building or maintaining wealth. The individuals in leadership and board positions are considered the “experts” who assess funding opportunities to avoid risk and keep payouts low.
Trust-based philanthropy instead promotes inclusive decision making, involving both foundation and nonprofit staff. This model views the nonprofit staff and the communities it serves as the “experts,” since those are the people closest to the issues on the ground. Trust-based funders emphasize building close relationships to their grantees in order to best understand their needs; those needs then guide decision making.
Funding
Traditional grants are usually restricted to specific projects or programs, with strict timelines and objectives. This means that the funder decides how and when the money will be spent, decisions that often come from the top down without feedback from the grantee. Because of these restrictions, most grants are oriented toward short-term goals. Grant renewals or long-term funding are much more difficult for nonprofits to obtain.
Trust-based philanthropy prioritizes unrestricted and multi-year funding. This gives nonprofits the agency to allocate the funding according to their own needs and priorities. These funds are also not restricted only to projects or programs, but can be used for overhead costs such as rent, salaries, and other essential expenses. This funding approach encourages long-term relationships between funders and nonprofit organizations, which promotes stability and security for nonprofits to tackle larger issues.
Impact Metrics
Historically, acceptable metrics to demonstrate the impact of funding have been extremely limited. Impact metrics are traditionally quantitative, focusing on measurable outcomes and numeric indicators. While these numbers can be helpful, and are especially important to donors and advisory boards, they often fail to convey the human impact of the investment.
Expanding the scope of impact metrics, trust-based foundations and the nonprofits they support often report in both quantitative and qualitative metrics relevant to their mission. Qualitative metrics can be more personal, shining light on the human impact of funding. They also allow for a more nuanced conversation about social impact and how it looks in different contexts.
Culture
The predominant focus of traditional philanthropy culture is on compliance and reporting. Relationships are considered to be transactional; extensive applications are required to facilitate a partnership, and these agreements are maintained by equally rigid reporting processes. Avoiding risk and proving impact are the goal outcomes, and all dynamics exist to ensure them.
The culture in trust-based philanthropy is more concerned with learning opportunities. Relationships are personal and meaningful. Partnerships are viewed as opportunities for collaboration and shared learning, and they are upheld through systems of mutual accountability.
While the missions of two different philanthropic organizations may be similar, their funding approach marks a vital difference in the grantee experience, and often the funding outcomes. As more organizations move to a trust-based model, work becomes more values-driven, nonprofit partners feel better seen and heard, and the potential for positive social change only grows.
History of EMA: Chapter 2
In 2018, a new chapter began for EMA Foundation as Bill Meyer, a lifelong educator and Connie Adler’s son, stepped into the role of Executive Director.
Bill's teaching career began in 1992 at the Webster Magnet School in St. Paul, Minnesota, but it was in his second job as a History/American Studies Teacher at Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island, that his philosophy took shape. His friendship with his colleague Thierry Gustave birthed a shared dream: an "un-school" where learners, unburdened by hierarchy and institutional constraints, could explore freely in community. This vision echoed EMA's trust-based approach to philanthropy and would ultimately become the basis for rhizōma, EMA’s learning platform.
In 2003, Bill moved to Marin Academy in San Rafael, California, where he taught History and English and also co-created innovative programs like MA’s Conference on Democracy and the Transdisciplinary Leadership Program (TLP). His experiences teaching U.S. History for nearly thirty years unveiled the stark realities of structural injustices, compelling him to champion stakeholder-based partnerships that shifted power and resources to historically marginalized groups. The TLP course he taught focused on Migration and the Refugee Crisis, which influenced EMA’s future work in supporting migration-based organizations such as Lighthouse Relief, Children of the Forest, SafePlace International, and In-Sight Collaborative.
In 2020, as the world grappled with COVID, social isolation, and racial inequity, Bill wondered how he could leverage his network to create momentum for a different approach to the problems existing systems couldn’t solve.
"As I thought about the systems that had produced the murder of George Floyd and the chaos of the COVID response and put it all in the context of what I had learned—and really unlearned—teaching U.S. History, it seemed clear: A ‘return to normal’ was the wrong goal. There were signs everywhere that existing systems—some by design, some by decay—were not serving the interests of much of the world. The gift of a career in teaching is that I met so many incredible thinkers, most of whom are former students, and so I wondered: How could I activate my network with intent to see if we could collaborate to build infrastructure for more equitable systems?”
An opportunity to pilot new approaches came later that summer when EMA partner CAFILM Education (formerly CFI Education) reached out for assistance with exploring options for moving programming online during the pandemic. Bill assembled a dedicated team of seven college students and his former colleague Thierry Gustave to craft "CFI Education Reimagined." Through interviews with 38 stakeholders from 21 global organizations, EMA provided recommendations that helped CAFILM Education conceptualize their next steps, and the initiative culminated in a successful $100K match campaign. It also provided proof of concept of EMA’s belief that young people are not only ready to handle significant responsibility, but also that they could produce professional-quality results.
Pride and Unity in San Francisco: Showcasing the Power of Partnership and Trust-Based Philanthropy
Kick off Pride 2024 with solidarity and support for rising leaders from the LGBTQI+ refugee community around the world! Join EMA and our partner SafePlace International for an inspiring evening dedicated to progress, partnership, and the power of trust-based philanthropy.
Event Highlights Include:
- Updates on Our Journey: Hear from SafePlace International’s Executive Director, Rachael LeClear, and Board Chair, Maggie Lower, about our achievements since October and our ongoing projects supporting the global displaced LGBTQI+ community.
- Special Guest Speaker: Bill Meyer, Executive Director of the EMA Foundation will discuss the transformative power of trust-based philanthropy.
- Interactive Discussions: Engage in meaningful dialogues about the value of community support in defending human rights and fostering lasting social change in some of the most challenging places on Earth.
This gathering is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, meet new allies, and be part of a transformative experience that emphasizes the beauty of human connection and collective action. Together, we can reimagine a world of mutual care, support, and abundant joy. Come show your support and solidarity with rising leaders who are making a difference worldwide.
Click here to purchase tickets.
About SafePlace International
SafePlace International is a 501c3 organization focused on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities to build a world that’s safer, more inclusive, and filled with joy. We work with global and local partners to provide a foundation of safety and stability for LGBTQI+ forcibly displaced persons through access to safe housing, food, supplies, and critical information to people at risk in remote corners of the world. The Dream Academy, our 10-week intensive virtual course led by members of the forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ community, paves the way for healing and growth with a holistic curriculum that equips leaders with the tools, capabilities, and relationships they need to assume roles of power and influence in their institutions and communities.
Film Screening: Filmbuilding Belonging
Join us and our partners at Filmbuilding and the Lincoln Sudbury Regional School District for a community screening event celebrating co-creative youth filmmaking as a catalyst for belonging and change.
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Free parking onsite
Special reception at 6:15pm
What is Belonging?
Learn (and see!) what happened when three groups of high school students came together to create short films exploring this essential question.
The program will include:
- Youth-produced films
- Interactive exhibits
- Filmmaker discussions
- Food & drinks
About Filmbuilding
Filmbuilding runs educational workshops that connect students across differences and distances to tell stories that matter. Our transformative approach emphasizes social and emotional development that's grounded in fun, project-based learning.
Community-Building Through Trust-Based Philanthropy
EMA and our partners at In-Sight Collaborative and SafePlace International invite community members to join us for an evening of relationship-building and re-imagining as we explore and co-create a world of abundance, mutual care, and joy. This event is about more than just giving; it's an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share dreams, and reimagine the possibilities together.
What does it take to build community in the pursuit of justice? It requires a foundation of mutual aid, where individuals lean into one another for support and solidarity. At this event, we'll engage in meaningful discussions that foster understanding and empathy, laying the groundwork for collective action. We'll explore strategies for organizational growth, recognizing that our strength lies in our ability to unite and amplify our impact.
Come be a part of this transformative experience where we celebrate the beauty of human connection and collective imagination!
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
About In-Sight Collaborative
In-Sight Collaborative is a humanitarian NGO founded in 2016 by a group of friends volunteering in refugee camps in Northern Greece. In an acute humanitarian crisis spanning acres and acres of farm fields, train tracks, gas station parking lots, and abandoned hotels, our founding members recognized that the current lens we had grown up with to view the world was dangerously misleading. We saw a need for more collaboration, for more championing of the agency of the people who call these camps home.
In-Sight Collaborative is a facilitator to those in the humanitarian sector who recognize that cultivating an equitable aid system starts with oneself. Moving from its direct aid model, In-Sight Collaborative now works to embody the accompaniment model. We educate humanitarians to be intentional and empowered to cultivate a more equitable system by providing educational tools, programs, and platforms to address harmful policies and practices.
About SafePlace International
SafePlace International is a 501c3 organization focused on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities to build a world that’s safer, more inclusive, and filled with joy. We work with global and local partners to provide a foundation of safety and stability for LGBTQI+ forcibly displaced persons through access to safe housing, food, supplies, and critical information to people at risk in remote corners of the world. The Dream Academy, our 10-week intensive virtual course led by members of the forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ community, paves the way for healing and growth with a holistic curriculum that equips leaders with the tools, capabilities, and relationships they need to assume roles of power and influence in their institutions and communities.
Film Screening: Filmbuilding Belonging
Join us and our partners at Filmbuiilding and METCO for a free community-wide screening event in downtown Boston, celebrating co-creative youth filmmaking as a catalyst for belonging and change.
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
By Roxbury Crossing T stop. Free parking onsite.
Special reception at 6:15pm
What is Belonging?
Learn (and see!) what happened when three groups of high school students came together to create short films exploring this essential question.
The program will include:
- Youth-produced films
- Interactive exhibits
- Youth filmmaker discussions
- Food & drinks
About Filmbuilding
Filmbuilding runs educational workshops that connect students across differences and distances to tell stories that matter. Our transformative approach emphasizes social and emotional development that's grounded in fun, project-based learning.
Professional Development for Educators: BYkids Community of Learners
Join a community of educators using BYkids films as pathways toward a more connected world!
- Looking for a professional development opportunity designed by teachers, for teachers?
- Interested in re-centering student voices and stories in your classroom?
- Eager to inspire deeper engagement in your curricula?
In this expansion of last summer’s inaugural cohort, students and teachers will come together to explore how BYkids films can enrich their teaching and learning experiences. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, the inaugural cohort has successfully integrated the films into their classrooms nationwide across a variety of disciplines, from Science to English to World Languages, pairing the films with a wide variety of texts and designing innovative assessments that students and teachers have found to be both inspiring and exhilarating.
Join us this summer for this free three-day professional development workshop that will highlight the many pedagogical uses and benefits of BYkids films and provide insights and opportunities for creating customized pathways to integrate BYkids films into your curricula. The program will be offered in-person at several high school campuses around the country as well as virtually.
Click here to view session dates and register.
About BYkids
BYkids pairs talented young storytellers from around the world with seasoned filmmakers to create powerful documentaries about their lives. These captivating stories premiere every fall on PBS. There are currently 17 BYkids films made by young people from eleven different countries, with four more in production this season.
In-Sight Collaborative Mentorship Program
This mentorship program from In-Sight Collaborative is designed to provide training and experience in the nonprofit sector as it relates to humanitarianism and development. The program is designed to be accessible to people who may not have access to humanitarian training otherwise.
Participants will be given the opportunity to:
- discover a better sense of self and community as humanitarians
- imagine and conceptualize interventions rooted in empathetic system design and accompaniment
- increase their network and knowledge to contribute to the paradigm shift in forced displacement and larger humanitarian sector towards equity
Since its inception in 2020, the mentorship program has been attended by hundreds of participants from over 35 countries around the world. We believe that anyone with the right mindset and a willingness to engage can be an effective part of the humanitarian response from any background, profession, or sector. It is one of our goals to help inspire future humanitarian leaders and give them the tools and resources they need to participate in a meaningful way.
Throughout the program, participants will be given the opportunity to explore the following areas of the non-profit and humanitarian sector:
- History of the humanitarian sector, humanitarian principles, and current trends
- Planning, assessment, implementation, and evaluation of humanitarian interventions
- Strategic planning within the non-profit industrial complex and other structural challenges
- Ethical fundraising and advocacy initiatives
- Community-based research
- Human-centered leadership
- Power of narratives and storytelling
- Wellness and community care for humanitarians
Click here for more information and to apply.
About In-Sight Collaborative
In-Sight Collaborative is a humanitarian NGO founded in 2016 by a group of friends volunteering in refugee camps in Northern Greece. In an acute humanitarian crisis spanning acres and acres of farm fields, train tracks, gas station parking lots, and abandoned hotels, our founding members recognized that the current lens we had grown up with to view the world was dangerously misleading. We saw a need for more collaboration, for more championing of the agency of the people who call these camps home.
In-Sight Collaborative is a facilitator to those in the humanitarian sector who recognize that cultivating an equitable aid system starts with oneself. Moving from its direct aid model, In-Sight Collaborative now works to embody the accompaniment model. We educate humanitarians to be intentional and empowered to cultivate a more equitable system by providing educational tools, programs, and platforms to address harmful policies and practices.
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