Read the latest news from our campaigns and programs featuring stories and insights directly from our network of community members, giving circle organizers, AAPIP members and philanthropic allies. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive the latest from us directly to your inbox!

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[Video] Philanthropy and The Economy: Prioritizing Communities, Not Sacrificing Democracy


$1.25 per day. According to the World Bank, this is what defines “extreme poverty” – a condition that describes the lives of at least 1.4 billion people, globally.
And with the most severe income inequality in generations and a widening gap between the nation’s wealthiest and its least, especially among immigrant and refugee communities, is this how we build a democracy?

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A Path Toward Action

Kristin Aldana-Taday, Deputy Director of Donor Services for Liberty Hill Foundation

Two weeks ago, I headed to San Francisco for the weekend to co-represent one of Los Angeles’ three giving circles, The Circle of Change. It was a weekend that reinvigorated my commitment to social justice and helped me carve out a path toward action—a path not just for me to follow myself, but one I can travel as part of a larger community.

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Giving Circles: Building a Movement of Change

Allistair Mallillin, Development Associate for United South End Settlements and member of the Saffron Circle

Last weekend, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) convened giving circles from around the country in San Francisco. Being a relative newcomer to AAPIP, I thought I had signed up for a free weekend trip with amazing food, not knowing what kind of content would be in store. The quality of food surpassed expectations, but what really resonated was the quality of people.

In particular, two things really stuck out for me during the weekend.

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Philanthropy, Giving Circles and a New Generation of Leaders: Reflecting on the AAPIP National Convening

Kent Wong, Director of UCLA Labor Center

The September 2011 convening in San Francisco was the first AAPIP gathering I had attended, and I was impressed by the spirit and scope of the work. I had the opportunity to bring three leaders of the Dream Act movement to present to the group, and they were so gratified to receive such a warm and supportive reception. It was especially meaningful for them to speak before a national gathering of Asian American community leaders, and to be welcomed by their own community.

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A Convening that Keeps on Giving

Kala Shah, Co-chair of Lunar Giving Circle

In mid-September, AAPIP convened giving circle members and AAPIP leadership in one of the most powerful and motivating events I have ever had the pleasure of attending. I dedicated the majority of my weekend to spend with these fine people based upon my experience from the first national Giving Circle meeting last year, when I came to appreciate the value of bonding with other GC leaders from around the country over the greatness of grassroots giving.

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