It’s not a week for flippant introductions so instead I’ll begin with a commitment from SSE.
Black Lives Matter. Be an ally, educate yourself, sign petitions, protest, donate if you can – this resource hub outlines ways to help and I’ve shared some articles, resources and reports below.
We stand in solidarity with the Black community. Today and always.
Huge thanks to my colleagues Henna, Amy and Sophie for putting this list together:
- A great thread on Twitter highlighting UK anti-racism charities and organisations you can support right now is available here.
- Layla F Saad has put together an anti-racist reading list in the Guardian in the hope that books can fortify a long-term struggle after this news cycle is over and social media posts about diversity die down.
- “It’s not the racists we have to worry about” argues CNN’s Van Jones in a hard hitting 5 minute clip and that the white community as a whole needs to look in the mirror and question how black opportunity and dignity is being choked.
- On Tuesday Public Health England published their report: COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes. It shows the significant health inequalities faced by people from BAME backgrounds during the current crisis.
- The Ubele Initiative have published a report examining the impact of Covid-19 on the BAME community and voluntary sector. Worryingly, findings suggest 9 out of 10 BAME micro and small organisations is set to close if the crisis continues beyond 3 months following the lockdown.
- Fearless Futures have a really interesting informative newsletter on inequalities, including inequalities specific to this pandemic, signposting to some great articles and resources. You can find it here. They also have an infographic outlining how systemic racism has caused COVID 19 to hit BAME communities harder.
- Spark & Co has created a resource hub designed to help those from BAME backgrounds navigate this crisis. Check it out.
- An interesting article on how important it is for grant-makers responding to COVID-19 that we don’t inadvertently perpetuate and exacerbate existing bias, racial inequity, and injustice through their giving.
- Charity So White have put together a paper highlighting the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities and the action that needs taking to address this. You can read it here.
This week’s social enterprise news
- New research from Shift, CAF Venturesome, Unltd and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation reveals the social sector’s need for equity and equity-like funding is three times greater than current demand. There is a blog available here that summarises the findings with access to the full report.
- Grants Online have put together a list of recently launched funding programmes to assist local organisations in responding to the challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic. It includes funding of £10,000 to grassroots women’s organisations from Rosa and a new Youth Futures Foundation fund among others. You can see the full list here.
- We’re recruiting a Personal Assistant to the CEO & Managing Director on a 6 month contract. It’s a part time role (28 hours) and we’re flexible on location. Closing date is 17th June.
- Social Enterprise Mark are looking for new board members. If you have Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategic leadership, and corporate relations; OR
Franchising and licensing management, and international expansion they would like to hear from you. Details here.
