Grounding in Emergent Strategy

From the calls for a Just Transition in philanthropy to demands for greater foundation payout, philanthropy is facing a reckoning of its own. The disproportionate impact of oppressive systems on Black, Indigenous, trans-identifying and gender non-conforming communities makes it essential for the sector to move toward more regenerative ways of being that center the self-determination of those most impacted. Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Emergent Philanthropy Roundtable (formerly Rising Leaders Roundtable), is a space for those interested in cross-learning, forming deeper connections in a community of new leaders and identifying collective actions to move toward healthier ways of being in the philanthropic sector.

In Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds, adrienne marie brown writes that emergent strategy is “how we intentionally change in ways that grow our capacity to embody the just and liberated world we long for.” What is emergent strategy? How do the principles connect to our work? Why now? Books are available for purchase through Bookshop.

Modeled after Impact Hub’s "Embracing Emergence: Adaptive Leadership for Uncertain Times" retreat, MPN’s Emergent Philanthropy will use this time to reflect and develop greater clarity around one’s purpose and commitments, laying the foundation for folks to be the leaders they want to be.

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only.