Support True Diversity in Philanthropy
Diversity and inclusion are worthy goals. Philanthropy Roundtable’s True Diversity campaign celebrates the rich identities and characteristics that make each person unique and special. We believe philanthropy should bring together people with diverse experiences, skills, knowledge and backgrounds to develop the most effective ideas and solutions for helping those in need.
At the Roundtable, we amplify those who promote equality for all and pursue innovative efforts that uplift communities. This means we not only fight and condemn racism, anti-Semitism and hate in all forms, we also recognize that organizations have different missions as they tackle complex problems. This is the diversity we need.
The Roundtable’s community is committed to strengthening society by advancing liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility. Join us as we discuss what kinds of diversity are needed to help solve the problems on the ground.
WILL YOU ADD YOUR VOICE TO OURS?
NEWS
Get the latest news on diversity, equity and inclusion mandates, critical race theory and related public policy initiatives.
STRATEGY
Learn strategies for engaging in conversations within the philanthropic sector about sensitive topics, like racism and diversity, with intelligence and compassion.
SUPPORT
Join a supportive community of individuals who want to solve social problems without dividing people based on race, gender and sexual orientation.
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF TRUE DIVERSITY
Philanthropy Roundtable 2021 Copyright ©
From the protests inspired by the tragic death of George Floyd to the #StopAsianHate movement and beyond, Americans across the country are having critical conversations about race.
Unfortunately, some individuals and organizations are capturing this energy to advance policies that stoke further division and hatred, like race-based mandates that control the hiring policies and board compositions of public and private institutions. Within the philanthropic sector, this control extends to grantmaking as well.
Making matters worse, anyone who opposes these mandates and the philosophies that drive them is shamed, ridiculed, bullied and punished.
Unfortunately, some individuals and organizations are capturing this energy to advance policies that stoke further division and hatred, like race-based mandates that control the hiring policies and board compositions of public and private institutions. Within the philanthropic sector, this control extends to grantmaking as well.
Making matters worse, anyone who opposes these mandates and the philosophies that drive them is shamed, ridiculed, bullied and punished.
AMERICA DIVIDED
A BETTER WAY
True Diversity is a public education campaign established to help people speak out against ideology that divides our country along racial lines and stand up for a compassionate society that respects individuals from all walks of life.
True Diversity celebrates the rich identities within each of us that go far beyond our skin color or the number of our X chromosomes. These identities include the unique blend of characteristics and experiences that make each of us who we are.
We believe True Diversity is the answer to racism, racial division and cancel culture.
And we believe the best way to help struggling communities is to nurture the self-confidence and sense of self-worth that comes when people are empowered to rise above their circumstances through liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility.
True Diversity celebrates the rich identities within each of us that go far beyond our skin color or the number of our X chromosomes. These identities include the unique blend of characteristics and experiences that make each of us who we are.
We believe True Diversity is the answer to racism, racial division and cancel culture.
And we believe the best way to help struggling communities is to nurture the self-confidence and sense of self-worth that comes when people are empowered to rise above their circumstances through liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility.
People who enter the philanthropic sector do so because they want to help people flourish, including communities of color.
However, many do not believe the answer to inequity is to judge and separate people based on characteristics they inherited at birth, like race, gender and sexual orientation.
They know race-based mandates will make it more difficult for them to continue their important work, while doing little to help people who are struggling. But they are afraid to speak up because they do not want to be attacked and maligned.
However, many do not believe the answer to inequity is to judge and separate people based on characteristics they inherited at birth, like race, gender and sexual orientation.
They know race-based mandates will make it more difficult for them to continue their important work, while doing little to help people who are struggling. But they are afraid to speak up because they do not want to be attacked and maligned.
Philanthropy is one of the most powerful unifying forces for social change. But if philanthropic institutions continue to embrace these radical policies, they will continue to drive division.
AMERICANS SILENCED
TRUE DIVERSITY WORKS
<>
President and CEO, Philanthropy Roundtable
Elise Westhoff is president, CEO and a board member of the Philanthropy Roundtable, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant American philanthropic movement that strengthens our free society. Elise is a leading national spokesperson on issues related to philanthropic excellence and philanthropic freedom. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Review and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Author and Entrepreneur
Vivek Ramaswamy is an entrepreneur, board member of the Philanthropy Roundtable and author of the forthcoming book "Woke, Inc." Vivek is a prominent national commentator on issues relating to democracy, capitalism and American identity. He has published multiple op-eds in publications including The Wall Street Journal, National Review and Newsweek. He is also a regular guest on cable news programs.
TRUE DIVERSITY SPOKESPEOPLE
To arrange an interview with a Roundtable spokesperson, please contact Annie Dwyer Dunn at adwyer@philanthropyroundtable.org or call 202.600.7919.
Vice President of Strategy and Programs, Philanthropy Roundtable
Debi Ghate is vice president of strategy and programs for the Philanthropy Roundtable and the host of "Can We Talk About It?" a weekly podcast featuring honest conversations about controversial topics, including criminal justice reform, free speech, polarization, and diversity, equity and inclusion. A former foundation senior director, Debi is widely recognized within the philanthropic sector as a passionate advocate for the role of philanthropy in solving social challenges.
Adjunct Senior Fellow, Philanthropy Roundtable
Patrice Lee Onwuka is a senior policy analyst at the Independent Women's Forum and adjunct senior fellow at the Philanthropy Roundtable. Patrice’s writing has been published in The Washington Post, CNBC, Bloomberg, The Washington Times, the Boston Herald, the New York Post and The Christian Science Monitor. She has appeared on Fox News, Fox Business and PBS, among other television programs.
FOSTER SELF-RELIANCE
AND COMMUNITY
The best way to uplift entire communities is to foster a sense of self-reliance that comes when its individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.
5
EMBRACE
CONVERSATION
Direct, honest and respectful conversation takes courage, and is the antidote to division, resentment and stagnation. Discussion and debate open the door to progress.
4
SEEK DIVERSE
PERSPECTIVES
Nonprofit institutions will naturally think of different solutions for complex social questions. A robust competition of ideas and experimenting with different approaches can lead to better answers and outcomes.
3
APPRECIATE
THE MISSION
Excellent results can best be achieved by bringing together people with diverse skill sets, backgrounds and perspectives to advance a common mission. Each organization is in the best position to know what types of diversity in leadership and hiring will best serve its mission—and will enjoy the rewards if they do this well.
2
VALUE EACH
INDIVIDUAL
Each person is a unique individual. People of the same race, gender or sexual orientation do not always share the same thoughts, values and experiences. It is worth taking the time to know and understand them.
1
TRUE DIVERSITY WORKS
TRUE DIVERSITY WORKS
The Woke Threat to Philanthropy
WSJ Features Roundtable’s President & CEO Elise Westhoff
Interview With Chloé Valdary
Can We Talk About it? with Debi Ghate
Interview With John Wood Jr.
Can We Talk About it? with Debi Ghate
Leading With Courage
2020 Annual Meeting Deep Dive Session
