Asset Funders Network introduces the Equity Amplifier for Economic Security (EA), a monthly spotlight series highlighting organizations or nonprofits focused on building economic security/asset building in communities of color.
WHAT IS WEPOWER?
WEPOWER envisions a future where systems are accountable to powerful communities that have been historically oppressed, and nurture our freedom, well-being, dreams, and joy.
Where are you headquartered?
St. Louis, Missouri.
What is your organization’s mission or vision?
WEPOWER’s mission is to activate community power that redesigns education, economic, health, and justice systems to be just and equitable for all. We envision a future where systems are accountable to powerful communities that have been historically oppressed, and nurture our freedom, well-being, dreams, and joy.
Which of the following areas of service BEST describes your organization?
Civil rights, social action, organizing and advocacy.
Does your organization identify as BIPOC led? What does that look like within your organization?
We are a proud Black Woman led organization, with a majority Black and South Asian executive team. The majority of our Board of Directors is also Black and Latinx.
Provide an example of a program or initiative that your organization is spearheading that works to advance economic opportunity and prosperity for BIPOC communities.
Throughout 2022, WEPOWER has:
- Launched a people powered coalition to pass a city ordinance in St. Louis and East St. Louis requiring a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for all large-scale, new development projects
- Trained and supported 16 Black and Latinx founders via our business accelerator and disbursed a total of $167,000 via our Kiva Lending Partner
How does your work impact communities and populations that are historically marginalized, underserved and/or under-resourced?
Our work centers around Black and Latinx communities. We are working towards a future where systems are accountable to powerful communities that have been historically oppressed.
What are some specific barriers or biases from within philanthropy that you believe are hindering organizations led by persons of color in accessing adequate funding or support?
The racial wealth gap is a systemic problem requiring systemic solutions. To create lasting impact, philanthropy MUST be paired with strategic investments at the systems levels beyond direct service.
Name one thing funders need to be cognizant of when connecting or partnering with nonprofits or organizations focused on building economic security/asset building in communities of color.
Funders must be cognizant of the need to provide critical, unrestricted funding for nonprofits led by underrepresented leaders.
About the Equity Amplifier
The EA serves as a space where philanthropy can engage with communities of color and examine how funders are addressing concerns in a manner that is intersectional and inclusive. Each month, AFN members will have the opportunity to access organizations and nonprofits in communities of color that are focused on economic security and asset building, including an informational brochure and a brief interactive virtual video presentation.
As a benefit of AFN membership, funders may nominate local nonprofits focused on building economic security/asset building in communities of color to highlight as part of the EA series. AFN members will also receive the opportunity to participate in a brief interactive virtual video presentation that will be shared with national AFN membership, allowing your organization to showcase innovative models and best practices to help build a more secure future for diverse communities.
How can funders get involved?
Funders who wish to learn more about WEPOWER, contact https://wepowerstl.org. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.
For more information or to nominate an organization or nonprofit led by people of color for the AFN EA, visit our website or contact AFN at info@assetfunders.org.
