2023 Meetings and Discussions
COFIE meetings are led by Dr. Dwinita Mosby Tyler, Chief Catalyst and Founder of The Equity Project, LLC – an organization designed to support organizations and communities in building diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. She is the former Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer for Children’s Hospital Colorado – the first African American woman to hold that position in the organization’s 100+ year history. She is also the former Executive Director of the Office of Human Resources for the City and County of Denver – the first African American woman to hold that position in the 63+ year history of the agency. Dr. Mosby Tyler, a consultant accredited by the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence, is nationally recognized for her equity work with non-profit, community, government and for-profit organizations. She is the author of White People Really Like Salad and TEDx Speaker for What if White People Led the Charge to End Racism? And here are a few of her thoughts on chipping away at inequity.
Save the dates for 2023 meeting dates!
Topics will be updated as soon as they are confirmed. All meetings will be virtual unless stated otherwise below.
Save the dates for 2023 meeting dates!
Topics will be updated as soon as they are confirmed. All meetings will be virtual unless stated otherwise below.
- Thursday, January 5 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Power Part II: How to increase power and use it to advance racial equity. In previous COFIE conversations, we've discussed power, what it is and how to use it to advance racial equity. Join us for Power Part II, a recap and follow-up conversation where we'll discuss how to increase the power we yield as individuals and the opportunities across the field for our organizations to advance racial equity. You'll walk away with tangible ways to use power to influence racial equity based on the unique opportunities available to us in 2023. RSVP here!
- Power Part II: How to increase power and use it to advance racial equity. In previous COFIE conversations, we've discussed power, what it is and how to use it to advance racial equity. Join us for Power Part II, a recap and follow-up conversation where we'll discuss how to increase the power we yield as individuals and the opportunities across the field for our organizations to advance racial equity. You'll walk away with tangible ways to use power to influence racial equity based on the unique opportunities available to us in 2023. RSVP here!
- Wednesday, February 8 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Work/Life balance is impossible, but what about Work/Life harmony? As reports of “quiet quitting” and the Great Resignation have shown, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of work for many and the relationship that some workers have with their jobs. Centered on the worker's voice and equity, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace outlining the foundational role that workplaces should play in promoting the health and well-being of workers and our communities. Join COFIE to explore the Five Essentials of the framework that support workplaces as engines of well-being and how these could (and perhaps should!) be implemented at our organizations. RSVP here!
- Work/Life balance is impossible, but what about Work/Life harmony? As reports of “quiet quitting” and the Great Resignation have shown, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of work for many and the relationship that some workers have with their jobs. Centered on the worker's voice and equity, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace outlining the foundational role that workplaces should play in promoting the health and well-being of workers and our communities. Join COFIE to explore the Five Essentials of the framework that support workplaces as engines of well-being and how these could (and perhaps should!) be implemented at our organizations. RSVP here!
- Thursday, March 2 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Gathering for BIPOC-identifying members of COFIE. As part of COFIE work to promote equity in the philanthropic sector, we want to make space specifically for our BIPOC-identifying members to have room to discuss the issues that most impact them. Dr. Dwinita will facilitate this discussion on healing, safety and the continued inequities faced by BIPOC members. RSVP here!
"Valuing and protecting spaces for people of color (PoC) is not just a kind thing that white people can do to help us feel better; supporting these spaces is crucial to the resistance of oppression. When people of color are together, there can be healing. We can reclaim parts of ourselves that have been repressed. We can redefine ourselves and support one another in embracing who we are." - The Arrow
- Gathering for BIPOC-identifying members of COFIE. As part of COFIE work to promote equity in the philanthropic sector, we want to make space specifically for our BIPOC-identifying members to have room to discuss the issues that most impact them. Dr. Dwinita will facilitate this discussion on healing, safety and the continued inequities faced by BIPOC members. RSVP here!
- Wednesday, April 5 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Love as a Strategy. You've probably heard that the definition of philanthropy is "love (philos) of humanity (anthropos)" but the systems, structures and processes philanthropy is built upon often feel anything but loving. Join COFIE to explore how love, when fused with power, is a tool for justice, freedom and liberation and how philanthropy's systems, structures and processes can be re-created to strategically center love. We'll also discuss how to "measure" transformative love and in doing that, we will be challenged to bring harmony between our intellectual, intuitive, and spiritual ways of knowing. Discussion resource: Measuring Love in the Journey for Justice: A Brown Paper.
- Love as a Strategy. You've probably heard that the definition of philanthropy is "love (philos) of humanity (anthropos)" but the systems, structures and processes philanthropy is built upon often feel anything but loving. Join COFIE to explore how love, when fused with power, is a tool for justice, freedom and liberation and how philanthropy's systems, structures and processes can be re-created to strategically center love. We'll also discuss how to "measure" transformative love and in doing that, we will be challenged to bring harmony between our intellectual, intuitive, and spiritual ways of knowing. Discussion resource: Measuring Love in the Journey for Justice: A Brown Paper.
- Wednesday, April 19 from 9:30am - 10am MT via Zoom
- New member orientation. New members to COFIE will join the COFIE Steering Committee to learn about COFIE's mission, history, programming and membership.
- New member orientation. New members to COFIE will join the COFIE Steering Committee to learn about COFIE's mission, history, programming and membership.
- Thursday, May 4 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Navigating Board and Staff Dynamics and Disconnects. In theory, boards and staff are on the same team working toward a shared mission and shared outcomes, but in practice, most organizations struggle with confusing dynamics, disconnects, and tension. What are some equitable practices that we can institutionalize that would support these important working relationships? How can board members feel better connected and closer to the work without managing or unduly influencing operations? How can staff grow trust in a board’s leadership that is accountable to outcomes but does not have close connections to the work. How can foundation leadership shorten the distance between boards and staff? Join COFIE in an important discussion on organizational leadership, management and ultimately - relationships and community. RSVP here!
- Navigating Board and Staff Dynamics and Disconnects. In theory, boards and staff are on the same team working toward a shared mission and shared outcomes, but in practice, most organizations struggle with confusing dynamics, disconnects, and tension. What are some equitable practices that we can institutionalize that would support these important working relationships? How can board members feel better connected and closer to the work without managing or unduly influencing operations? How can staff grow trust in a board’s leadership that is accountable to outcomes but does not have close connections to the work. How can foundation leadership shorten the distance between boards and staff? Join COFIE in an important discussion on organizational leadership, management and ultimately - relationships and community. RSVP here!
- Thursday, July 13 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Giving Away Assets, Not Grants. Join COFIE to explore this question at the core of community-driven philanthropy: “What’s possible if philanthropy adopts a reparative model – one in which it supports the leadership of BIPOC communities, not just by writing grants, but by shifting assets and control over resources to frontline communities?” We'll also touch on what structures may need to be in place for an organization to receive assets instead of grants, and brainstorm on the pros and cons of this type of philanthropy. RSVP here!
- Giving Away Assets, Not Grants. Join COFIE to explore this question at the core of community-driven philanthropy: “What’s possible if philanthropy adopts a reparative model – one in which it supports the leadership of BIPOC communities, not just by writing grants, but by shifting assets and control over resources to frontline communities?” We'll also touch on what structures may need to be in place for an organization to receive assets instead of grants, and brainstorm on the pros and cons of this type of philanthropy. RSVP here!
- Thursday, August 3 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Messing Up and Moving from Call Outs to Call Ins. Join COFIE for a discussion on how to affect meaningful change through transformative practices when we don’t get it right. How can we allow ourselves to mess up, stay in relationship, grow, and learn? How can we take on tough yet essential topics knowing that we will inevitably mess up, and that nobody has it all figured out? How does perfectionism, as a manifestation of white supremacy culture, hinder our ability to engage in these conversations? Let’s begin to enter tough conversations knowing that when we want to work towards equity, we must always be learning; and that involves messing up. In this session, we will explore different frameworks, like this one: Pulling The Thread: Having Conversations We’d Rather Avoid (Celeste Headlee) on Apple Podcasts. RSVP here!
- Messing Up and Moving from Call Outs to Call Ins. Join COFIE for a discussion on how to affect meaningful change through transformative practices when we don’t get it right. How can we allow ourselves to mess up, stay in relationship, grow, and learn? How can we take on tough yet essential topics knowing that we will inevitably mess up, and that nobody has it all figured out? How does perfectionism, as a manifestation of white supremacy culture, hinder our ability to engage in these conversations? Let’s begin to enter tough conversations knowing that when we want to work towards equity, we must always be learning; and that involves messing up. In this session, we will explore different frameworks, like this one: Pulling The Thread: Having Conversations We’d Rather Avoid (Celeste Headlee) on Apple Podcasts. RSVP here!
- Wednesday, August 16 from 4:30pm - 6:30pm MT at Raices Brewing (2060 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204)
- PEEP (Party to Enhance Equity in Philanthropy) is a chance for funders and nonprofit folks to connect and enhance equity in philanthropy. Conceptualized by Vu Le of Nonprofit AF, his event is meant to bring together nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to help break down the pervasive power dynamics in our work and as a small tool to help us see each other in our full humanity. Join us for a beverage of your choice (first drink on us!) and good company.
- Hosted in partnership by: Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - Colorado Chapter, Colorado Funders for Inclusiveness and Equity (COFIE), Colorado Nonprofit Association, Colorado Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) - Colorado Chapter, PEAK Rocky Mountain, Philanthropy Colorado, and Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Denver.
- Please RSVP here!
- Thursday, September 7 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Gathering for BIPOC-identifying members of COFIE. As part of COFIE work to promote equity in the philanthropic sector, we want to make space specifically for our BIPOC-identifying members to have room to discuss the issues that most impact them. Dr. Dwinita will facilitate this discussion on healing, safety and the continued inequities faced by BIPOC members. RSVP here!
"Valuing and protecting spaces for people of color (PoC) is not just a kind thing that white people can do to help us feel better; supporting these spaces is crucial to the resistance of oppression. When people of color are together, there can be healing. We can reclaim parts of ourselves that have been repressed. We can redefine ourselves and support one another in embracing who we are." - The Arrow
- Gathering for BIPOC-identifying members of COFIE. As part of COFIE work to promote equity in the philanthropic sector, we want to make space specifically for our BIPOC-identifying members to have room to discuss the issues that most impact them. Dr. Dwinita will facilitate this discussion on healing, safety and the continued inequities faced by BIPOC members. RSVP here!
- Wednesday, September 20 from 9:30am - 10am MT via Zoom
- New member orientation. New members to COFIE will join the COFIE Steering Committee to learn about COFIE's mission, history, programming and membership.
- New member orientation. New members to COFIE will join the COFIE Steering Committee to learn about COFIE's mission, history, programming and membership.
- Thursday, October 5 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Equitable Grantmaking: Paving the Way for Inclusive Funding. Is your organization newer to grantmaking processes that aim to increase equity and dismantle structural racism? Or are you a seasoned grantmaker who already has a process for involving community voice in your grantmaking process? No matter where you are on the journey to equitable grantmaking, join us to share best practices and lessons learned with a healthy dose of reality. We’ll be guided by national leaders and breakout into smaller groups based on self-assessed level of expertise. This session co-hosted by Kaiser Permanente. RSVP here!
- Equitable Grantmaking: Paving the Way for Inclusive Funding. Is your organization newer to grantmaking processes that aim to increase equity and dismantle structural racism? Or are you a seasoned grantmaker who already has a process for involving community voice in your grantmaking process? No matter where you are on the journey to equitable grantmaking, join us to share best practices and lessons learned with a healthy dose of reality. We’ll be guided by national leaders and breakout into smaller groups based on self-assessed level of expertise. This session co-hosted by Kaiser Permanente. RSVP here!
- Thursday, October 19 from 9:30am - 10am MT via Zoom
- COFIE Steering Committee Informational Session. Members interested in learning about serving on the COFIE Steering Committee will join the COFIE Steering Committee to learn about expectations, responsibilities, details and Q&A. RSVP here!
- COFIE Steering Committee Informational Session. Members interested in learning about serving on the COFIE Steering Committee will join the COFIE Steering Committee to learn about expectations, responsibilities, details and Q&A. RSVP here!
- Wednesday, October 25 at 10am MT via Zoom
- The Call of Leadership: Coffee Chat and Discussion in partnership with EPIP CO. Join EPIP Colorado and COFIE for a coffee chat where we discuss Transformative Leadership for Change's article The Call of Leadership Now: BIPOC Leaders in a Syndemic Era. Come together with other Colorado funders to discuss the future of philanthropy and non-profits, and what we can build together.
- The Call of Leadership: Coffee Chat and Discussion in partnership with EPIP CO. Join EPIP Colorado and COFIE for a coffee chat where we discuss Transformative Leadership for Change's article The Call of Leadership Now: BIPOC Leaders in a Syndemic Era. Come together with other Colorado funders to discuss the future of philanthropy and non-profits, and what we can build together.
- Thursday, November 2 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- Evaluation of Equity Goals and Indicators. We often emphasize the importance of equity and equity work, but how can we measure it? There are limited avenues of measuring impact and progress toward our goals in an equitable manner and the results of equity work are not always immediately measurable. Join COFIE for a discussion on measuring impact, progress, and continuous improvement of our systems and support. RSVP here!
- Evaluation of Equity Goals and Indicators. We often emphasize the importance of equity and equity work, but how can we measure it? There are limited avenues of measuring impact and progress toward our goals in an equitable manner and the results of equity work are not always immediately measurable. Join COFIE for a discussion on measuring impact, progress, and continuous improvement of our systems and support. RSVP here!
- Wednesday, December 6 from 9am - 11am MT via Zoom
- We Serve People, Not Trends. Too often, we see the people we serve treated as trendy investments. We must not allow ourselves to fall into this trap and work to ensure that our community-centered design and giving is not extractive. Our role as funders is not only to provide grants, but to strive to maximize the support we can give beyond just funding. In our funding practices, we should invite those who are most affected by the issues that we strive to solve to have a seat and a voice at the table. Join COFIE for an important discussion on how we can continue to push the field of philanthropy toward more equitable and inclusive philosophies of giving. Let’s learn to bring our communities with us, and explore how we can continue to push for diversity and equity in our workplaces. RSVP here!
Updated 6.6.2023
