We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 629: A Call to Kinship: Reimagining Generosity and Connection

Introduction

In Episode 629 of the We Are For Good Podcast, titled "A Call to Kinship: Reimagining Generosity and Connection," hosts Jon McCoy, CFRE, and Becky Endicott, CFRE, engage in a profound conversation with three esteemed guests: Anika Allen, Birgit Smith Burton, and Mide Akeruwusi. This episode delves deep into the essence of kinship, exploring its transformative power in the nonprofit sector and beyond. The discussion emphasizes moving from transactional philanthropy to building authentic, relational connections rooted in shared humanity and collective care.

Meet the Guests

• Anika Allen: A visionary founder of the Empathy Agency, Anika brings over 25 years of experience guiding the philanthropic sector towards practices rooted in justice and wholeness. As a descendant of African and Indigenous ancestors, her work embodies courage and resistance, fostering a practice of belonging.

• Birgit Smith Burton: Founder of the African American Development Officers Network (AADO), Birgit has spent decades breaking barriers in fundraising and mentoring fundraisers of color. As the first African American woman to chair the AFP Global board, her work is a testament to radical generosity and communal uplift.

• Mide Akeruwusi: CEO of HNC, Mide leads a global philanthropy consultancy grounded in equity and social change. With extensive experience across continents, his approach reimagines philanthropy as justice in action, emphasizing mutual care and solidarity.

The Essence of Kinship

The conversation commences with a heartfelt introduction to the concept of kinship. Anika Allen articulates, “We are connected to each other, whether we know it or not, whether we accept it or not [...] If we're going to survive or thrive, we can't do it alone. We have to do it with one another.” [Anika Allen, 06:59] This foundational idea sets the stage for understanding kinship not just as a professional connection but as a deep, intrinsic bond that transcends individualism.

Generosity and Philanthropy: From Transactional to Relational

Birgit Smith Burton emphasizes the need to shift philanthropy from being merely transactional to fostering authentic relationships: “Kinship and philanthropy is moving from giving to being with. How can you connect to that, not just giving to, but being with?” [Birgit Smith Burton, 25:19] This perspective challenges traditional donor-centered fundraising, advocating for a values-driven approach that prioritizes shared humanity and collective care.

Mide Akeruwusi echoes this sentiment, highlighting the barriers within the sector: “We have a racial schism in our sector, [...] we are met with resistance that tells us that we do not belong.” [Mide Akeruwusi, 15:21] He calls for a philanthropy that is not about charity but about justice and mutual upliftment.

Personal Stories of Generosity

The guests share personal anecdotes that illuminate their understanding of generosity:

• Mide Akeruwusi recounts a pivotal conversation with an elder who humbled him by stating, “The most stingy people in this world are the ones that complain the most about being generous.” [Mide Akeruwusi, 41:22] This dialogue reshaped his approach to generosity, reinforcing the joy and fulfillment derived from giving.

• Birgit Smith Burton reflects on her journey into fundraising: “I have been a member of AFP for 35 years [...] I do not call myself an accidental fundraiser or an accidental anything anymore. I am where I'm supposed to be.” [Birgit Smith Burton, 47:17] Her story underscores the intentionality behind her career path and the profound impact of communal support.

• Anika Allen shares a formative experience from her childhood: “My mother's approach to generosity was just so, so wise. She gave me a little envelope for my tithes and taught me the power of sharing and giving to something bigger.” [Anika Allen, 48:09] This early lesson ingrained in her the values of generosity and community.

Embodying Kinship in Daily Practices

Becky Endicott challenges listeners to integrate kinship into their everyday lives: “How can people really start to own this and start injecting it into the culture and the communities that they are right now?” [Becky Endicott, 30:20] The guests offer practical strategies:

• Mide Akeruwusi advocates for truth-telling and mutual understanding: “Let's be committed to telling the truth as we see it and not be afraid that the truth that we see may be different from the truth that others see.” [Mide Akeruwusi, 30:25] He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives to foster genuine connections.

• Anika Allen highlights the role of physical presence and empathy in sustaining relationships: “Radical kinship calls us to step around the table or around whatever the cord is, to stand next to the person and look out and see what they see.” [Anika Allen, 37:14] This approach encourages stepping into the gray spaces of conversation, beyond binary thinking, to nurture durable and accountable relationships.

• Birgit Smith Burton stresses the importance of mutual care and recognizing interconnected struggles: “Mutual care and solidarity [...] recognizing interconnected struggles. [...] it is about being with.” [Birgit Smith Burton, 25:19] She envisions a philanthropy grounded in collective responsibility and shared humanity.

The Power of Storytelling

Birgit underscores the unifying power of stories: “One of those connective tissues that is always going to connect us is the story.” [Birgit Smith Burton, 43:45] Sharing personal narratives fosters empathy and bridges gaps between diverse experiences, enabling a deeper understanding and connection within the community.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the conversation winds down, the hosts and guests reaffirm the necessity of kinship in creating meaningful and sustained impact. They encourage listeners to embrace radical kinship as a pathway to transforming the nonprofit sector and fostering a more connected, generous world.

Anika concludes with a poignant prayer from Cole Arthur Riley's Black Liturgies, encapsulating the spirit of belonging and the intertwined freedom of communities:

"We are grateful that you are not a God who demands a spirituality rooted in some solitary existence... May we be stirred to extend [friends and care] to others." [Anika Allen, 53:35]

Notable Quotes

• “If we're going to survive or thrive, we can't do it alone. We have to do it with one another.” — Anika Allen [06:59]

• “Kinship and philanthropy is moving from giving to being with.” — Birgit Smith Burton [25:19]

• “We have a racial schism in our sector, [...] we are met with resistance that tells us that we do not belong.” — Mide Akeruwusi [15:21]

• “The most stingy people in this world are the ones that complain the most about being generous.” — Mide Akeruwusi [41:22]

• “Radical kinship calls us to step around the table or around whatever the cord is, to stand next to the person and look out and see what they see.” — Anika Allen [37:14]

Final Thoughts

Episode 629 serves as a clarion call for nonprofit professionals and philanthropists to reimagine their approach to generosity and connection. By embracing radical kinship, fostering authentic relationships, and prioritizing collective well-being over individual success, the episode inspires listeners to contribute to an "Impact Uprising" that transcends traditional boundaries and creates lasting positive change.

For more insights and resources, listeners are encouraged to connect with the guests through their respective platforms:

• Mide Akeruwusi: LinkedIn
• Birgit Smith Burton: LinkedIn
• Anika Allen: The Empathy Agency | Substack

This summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 629, offering a comprehensive overview for those who seek to understand the transformative power of kinship in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.