Michele Wucker

Join me in conversation with Meme Styles (Taliaferro), MPA and Dwayne Wharton on Thursday, May 23rd at 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST for a webinar on CURE's new research brief: Fighting for Justice and Ourselves: Black Changemakers’ Pursuit of Equity and Well-Being. From a series of listening sessions hosted by CURE in January 2024, Black changemakers shared a vision for collective care, Black well-being and liberation experienced in all its forms. Community building and connection are at the heart of Black changemakers’ well-being. Black well-being is not just something to experience in the present moment, but a way to reimagine and reshape the future as a world where all people can truly thrive. Part of CURE’s new Embodied Justice program, the webinar will include discussion on: - How racial equity and justice work impacts the health and well-being of Black changemakers - The importance of Black-centered spaces to support trauma healing, burnout recovery, well-being and joy - Afro-futuristic visions of liberation and Black well-being that inspire Black changemakers  - What nonprofits and funders can do to support the sustainability and health of Black changemakers Check out the brief and register for the webinar at: https://lnkd.in/gT9NuUyu #RacialEquity #RacialJustice #EmbodiedJustice #CollectiveHealing #CommunityCare #CollectiveWellbeing #RacialJusticeJourney #Healing #Somatics #Mindfulness #Nonprofits

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Anti-democratic forces often co-opt those with vast wealth. That is starting to happen in America, creating a two-tiered economy of those tight with politicians and those trying to run real businesses. One casualty will be press freedom. My analysis:

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The Unfinished Project of #Enlightenment What Jürgen Habermas’s sweeping history of Western #philosophy leaves out. by Brandon Bloch "No  one in the world feels the weakness of general characterizing more than I.” So lamented Johann Gottfried von Herder, towering figure of the German Enlightenment, in his 1774 treatise This Too a Philosophy of History for the Formation of Humanity. “One draws together peoples and periods of time that follow one another in an eternal succession like waves of the sea,” Herder wrote. “Whom has one painted? Whom has the depicting word captured?” For Herder, the Enlightenment dream of grasping human history as a seamless whole came up against the irreducible particularity of individuals and cultures. The German philosopher and social theorist Jürgen Habermas, among the most influential thinkers of our time, grapples with much the same problem in his new work, the title of which reverses the order of Herder’s terms: This Too a History of Philosophy. Published in German last September, Habermas’s History spans over 3,000 years and 1,700 pages. It marks the apogee of a singular career. Like his eighteenth-century precursor, Habermas seeks a thoroughgoing reconceptualization of the sweep of human history. “Philosophical problems,” he writes, are distinctive from merely “scientific” ones in their “synthetic force.” For Habermas, the fragmentation of modern life has hardly exhausted philosophy’s capacity for bold questions and architectonic structure. To be sure, the work pays homage to the legacy of postmodern critique. Wary of Herder’s pitfalls of “general characterizing,” Habermas eschews airy speculation for dense textual reconstruction. But this history of philosophy, no less than Enlightenment philosophies of history, is driven by a teleological intent, a principle that threads through history’s seeming randomness and contingency. For Herder, that principle was humanity’s “formation” (Bildung), a foundational concept of the German Enlightenment linking the moral development of the individual with the progress of civilization. For Habermas, it is instead a collective “learning process” (Lernprozess). History, in Habermas’s telling, is the story of humanity’s learning, a record of problems solved and challenges overcome. “New knowledge about the objective world” alongside “social crises,” he explains, create “cognitive dissonances.” These dissonances propel societies to adopt novel modes of understanding and interaction. ... https://lnkd.in/eBCMycfJ

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This research draws from 100 in-depth interviews and 184 comprehensive surveys from progressive organizers across the country. Troubled by the Left’s inability to amass sufficient power as well as the ascendancy of Right-wing forces—an increasing number of progressive organizers have begun to register higher and higher levels of alarm. They have argued that the transformation in service of racial, economic and climate justice that progressives seek will not happen unless we change our approach. In particular, Mario Lugay has raised the alarm for years about the outsized role #philanthropy has in our progressive movements. To read this finding, "Eighty-five percent of respondents—the overwhelming majority—agreed that Left-wing organizations have become more accountable to our funders than to our bases and constituencies . . ." illustrates the urgency for us to build our Movement Commons: https://lnkd.in/grQdpzkw

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Society needs a third leg for balance. I call it the Plural Sector. You may know it as “civil society,” or the third sector, or the home of NGOs and not-for-profit organizations. But if it is to take its place alongside the other two sectors, it requires a label that fits with theirs: public, private, plural. https://lnkd.in/eF3rgZQ4

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If you're in the neighborhood, please join me and Indivar Dutta-Gupta at Solid State Books next Tuesday, June 11, to discuss the future of US poverty policy and my new book, Poverty for Profit. #books #socialpolicy #poverty Details here:

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This Op-Ed in The New York Times from The Rockefeller Foundation President Rajiv J. Shah sums up why I joined Rockefeller Catalytic Capital to focus the next few years exclusively on Mission 300 or #M300 -- to bring at least 300 million Africans electricity access by 2030: To End Poverty. In 2013, Rajiv J. Shah called me while I was working for USAID in Ecuador, to invite me to be part of an ambitious effort called Power Africa. The idea was to move development collaboration where it had never gone before (and we did!). How could I say "no" to getting the band back together? This time, though, we all have more experience and a better idea of what needs to be done. We're more of an orchestra than a band. Before agreeing to take on this role, I asked my colleagues at the The World Bank, IFC - International Finance Corporation, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and The Rockefeller Foundation two questions: (1) Are we all at the point in our respective careers where we don't really care what our next job will be, which means we all will focus on breaking through bureaucratic hurdles and on sharing our opinions on how best to achieve results? It was a resounding, "Yes!" (2) Can we agree that we are going to disagree again and again about approaches, but we'll listen to each other and still get along because we're focused on the result? That one often was met with a smile, but always with a "yes!" (in part because I have a LOT of ideas) That's where we are. We all agree that if we want to end poverty, we need to focus on one thing: Energy Access So glad that so many have committed to prioritizing resources in this critical space, but we need more. It works like this: ➡ Concessional financing (e.g., IDA) from the World Bank and the African Development Bank and other donor financing (e.g., DFIs like U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and British International Investment) ➡ along with grant capital and technical assistance from traditional donor countries (e.g., Power Africa, Millennium Challenge Corporation and philanthropies like The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund through The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), ➡ along with resource and policy commitments (i.e., energy compact) from African governments themselves, ➡ will mobilize commercial financing and private investment. Here's an oversimplified formula: Concessional and public financing + donor and philanthropic grant resources + African government resources and reforms ---> (leads to) commercial financing and investment = Energy Access for All ---> (leads to) Poverty Reduction ---> (leads to) an Energy Transition and Cleaner, Sustainable Planet. Thank you The World Bank Group and African Development Bank Group for leading the charge on this bold commitment. We have your back!

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I have been eager to see our First Woman President since I first listened to California Senators Boxer and Feinstein for 1992’s Year of The Woman. I remain convinced having women as top leaders could shift the US in wonderful ways. Here is what is possible: https://lnkd.in/eakafazm As for Donald Trump, his ostentatious behavior has always repulsed me. But most intolerable to me is simply his constant negativity and name-calling. Apparently he hasn’t learned the “R word” is  100% unacceptable  https://lnkd.in/e7hTYSGX. I happen to be the proud parent of a loving bright 10 year-old boy with Down syndrome. I vowed to do everything in my power not to let this negative name-calling bully be our leader. I have not worked in politics since 2008 (after a career from 1993-2008 in politics) - but this year, I could not sit out this election. For me if feels like the Soul of the United States is at stake. Harris for President MUST WIN. For the 30 last days I have canvassed in Swing County Washoe County in Nevada with the Nevada State AFL-CIO, who have inspired me with their dedication to working families. - The list of newspapers that have chosen to endorse have overwhelming chosen Harris Walz: https://lnkd.in/eAg3Q3Hp - Economist Magazine endorsed Harris Walz : https://lnkd.in/eyWeqJKd - 82 American Nobel Prize Winners Endorse Harris Walz https://lnkd.in/ekmYpWeR If you care about this election here is what you can STILL do before the end of Tuesday: -             TALK now to your family and friends in Swing States   -             Make calls (YES, they matter and change minds!) https://lnkd.in/esq2uYAe   -             Canvass (knocking on doors) can increase voter turnout by 3.8%!  https://lnkd.in/ewnwmvSy -            Help people arrange a ride to the polls: https://lnkd.in/epE3BTSU -             Voter Protection: help people ensure that their ballot has been counted: https://lnkd.in/enwP9gVQ              If you care about Harris for President winning, PLEASE take action through Tuesday. It will make a difference. Thank you  🙏🏽 Josie Thompson Christine Pelosi Donnie Fowler Andrea Dew Steele Gretchen Schoenstein Joanna Popper Kate Howard Lisa Patlis Nancy Kirshner Rodriguez Don Burrus Cristian "Crissy" Yancey Shoshana Grossman-Crist Heidi Sieck Alix Rosenthal Elizabeth Thorp Ceci Zak Amy Holly Adrienne Elrod Kris Balderston Samantha Karlin

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Coming to Chicago this week? If so, please join us for this important conversation focused on how #business leaders can lead on #democracy.

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Here I share some thoughts on the upcoming budget for 2024-25. Focus on reforms, growth and creditworthiness. #NextLeveL

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🚀 **Get Ready for Volume 3 of Policy360 Insights!** 🚀 I'm excited to share that the latest edition of Policy360 Insights newsletter is coming out this Monday, and it’s packed with invaluable content you won't want to miss! In Volume 3, we’ll explore: - **Solution-Oriented Advocacy:** Discover why offering solutions, not just highlighting problems, is crucial for effective policy influence. - **Defining Problems Clearly:** Learn the importance of using data, personal stories, and clear communication to articulate issues. - **Developing Practical Solutions:** Get insights into brainstorming, collaboration, and ensuring feasibility. - **Balancing Short-Term Wins and Long-Term Goals:** Strategies to achieve immediate impact and lasting change. - **Building a Compelling Case:** How to utilise evidence, cost-benefit analysis, and impact assessments to make your case stand out. - **Engaging Policymakers and Stakeholders:** Tips on building relationships, understanding priorities, and effective communication. - **Implementation and Monitoring:** Ensure successful policy changes with effective project management and continuous monitoring. 📣 **Exciting News!** 📣 I'm also thrilled to announce that I’m working on two new podcasts this season, featuring renowned journalists. Stay tuned for engaging conversations that will shed light on important issues. 👉 **Subscribe now** and join our community of changemakers: https://lnkd.in/gq8PC7cj Together, we can drive social change and build a brighter future. Please share this newsletter and encourage others to sign up! #Policy360Insights #PolicyAdvocacy #SocialChange #ChildcareReform #Newsletter #SubscribeNow #AdvocacySuccess Pic: Ellen on her back from Parliament Buildings. The sun was shining which is a rare occasion here!

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Confronting the Politics of Grievance: Part 5 - Reject false solutions to make way for bold actions This interview with political philosopher Michael Sandel shares incisive insights on the origins of grievances & Trump's appeal. He explains that for decades, gaps between 'winners' & 'losers' grew starker, and those without a college education were devalued. For him, economic and cultural grievance were entwined, as the economy became a system of allocating social recognition. Sandel's suggestions: 1. Rejuvenate the mission of progressive politics 2. Bring society together by creating more common civic spaces for people of all backgrounds 3. Don't leave patriotism to be defined by the right: Articulate a positive vision of national pride which includes valuing those with less education 4, Create a "patriotic economy" that brings industry home and ascribes dignity and honour to all jobs. Totally makes sense. But rebuilding a sense of commonality and consensus around reforms cannot happen while the President-elect continues to spread enmity, distort the debate & act in counterproductive ways. By perpetuating 'us versus them' politics, Trump's actions will propose gains for some, at the expense of others - as he claims to solve one problem, he will only create more. Placing unfit figures to lead the vital pillars of US governance is the first such move, and will be disastrous for everyone. Another example of grievance politics - Brexit - designed to address inequality - deprived all Britons of rights and opportunities & stopped Europeans filling essential jobs in our labour markets. Leaving the EU made life worse for everyone by unravelling systems of cooperation, blocking trade & investment, removing social mobility and undermining UK influence. Even a Brexit promise to reduce immigration didn't happen. I don't think the UK is 'happier' from this purported solution to grievance, the country is certainly poorer & the region weaker. Brexit was the reckless response to grievance by unscrupulous politicians reaching for power, and it didn't work. To promote genuine solutions, we first need to prevent further radicalisation & culture wars. This could happen by breaking through tribalised information ecosystems, engaging outside our bubbles, and promoting more truthful voices & platforms that resonate. This would lay the groundwork for a renewed search for common ground. More exciting ways to increase participation in decision-making & teach people new skills, could also revitalise a belief in democracy. I understand many feel alienated & disadvantaged in today's world, but actions devised through the prism of 'us versus them' will make lives worse by dismantling hard-won gains and punishing groups. We need to robustly warn people of the consequences of such actions, while also trying out bold & experimental ideas for change.

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We gravitate towards averages but we thrive on diversity. The #WIN2024 conference illustrates the magic that arises from transdisciplinary thought leadership. Immense thanks to Michael Platt Elizabeth Johnson, PhD Schotland McQuade for making this happen. The hybrid world is too complex for black and white boxes. When we move beyond good vs bad judgment we uncover the rainbow that spans the space beyond boxes; which as a bonus also makes us more resilient. In an AI-saturated environment it matters twice to understand and harness our natural intelligence (NI) in all its complexity. Investing in the Brain as an asset should be a “no brainer” for individuals and institutions, accross the lifecycle. But it isn’t, yet. Changing this requires a shift in perspective, of how we asses and address human wellbeing, and social progress. NI development is not just about doing more of the same, but stimulating society in the understanding of mutual interplays, and the quest for sustainable optimization. Events like this are a reminder that artificial intelligence might make us more efficient, but natural intelligence in its individual and collective forms, makes us creative. And fun to be around. Every presentation was fascinating. Deeply grateful to everyone I encountered over the past 48h. Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative Wharton Neuroscience Initiative Student Society

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A couple days ago we listened to a fascinating presentation by Elena Ortiz from Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security who worked on this report that said women's lot in life has improved by only 3% on average globally. I found it interesting and encouraging, that there is a strong correlation between women's wellbeing and the wellbeing of the nation as seen in HDI, climate adaptation, state resilience and rule of law. Ergo, improving conditions for women will lead to positive outcomes for the whole country and this should play a larger part in Malaysia's policy goals. What I found interesting and absolutely disturbing however is that Malaysia ranked right after Saudi Arabia - how am I and my fellow Malaysian women worse off than in Saudi? If you read the report, Saudi has more cellphone usage, parliamentary representation, less legal discrimination and better community safety. I do take this with a pinch of salt as I guess that Malaysia has better data collection than Saudi. Therefore, our problems would be thrown into sharper light. Still, the fact that we are anywhere even close to a country that's typically seen as very regressive in its treatment of women is a warning that Malaysia needs to buck up. https://lnkd.in/eijAWccY

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So happy to see my concept of "social poverty" gain traction in this great article. "Over the past half-century, virtually all aspects of social life have deteriorated in America. We spend less time with fewer friends, form fewer families and have turned away from organized civic life and religious institutions. We trust less than we used to, and we provide each other less social support." But, "rather than owning up to our glaring social poverty problem, policymakers have focused instead on relieving economic poverty." Part of the problem is "that the government collects troves of information on the incomes and employment of individuals, families, groups and regions — and can therefore say a lot about changes in income, inequality and material living standards. In contrast, we lack good data on individual social wellbeing, particularly regarding social capital — the strength and number of relationships with people and institutions that provide us value. It’s hard to solve a problem you can’t measure.... without knowing who exactly suffers from social poverty, in what ways, and how this relates to material poverty, it is hard to design policy solutions targeted at the problem." We do know some big things though. As a recent American Enterprise Institute study shows, "the demographic groups that tend to face the most economic disadvantages also face the most social disadvantages. For example, on average, social wellbeing is higher for those in middle age than for the oldest and youngest Americans, higher for college graduates than those without a high school diploma and higher among white individuals than Black and Hispanic Americans. Social disadvantage also compounds across these lines — Black individuals without a high school diploma have the lowest levels of social capital, while white individuals with a college degree score the highest." and "In other words, the social wellbeing gap between poor and middle-income Americans is much larger than that between middle- and high-income Americans. The same pattern holds regardless of race and ethnicity, though at any given level of income, Black and Hispanic individuals have a lower level of social capital on average than white individuals." As a result, "tackling social poverty will require that we find ways to build and strengthen relationships — within families, communities and civic institutions." Thank you to Kevin Corinth, Scott Winship, and Thomas O'Rourke for doing this report and writing about it in Deseret News. #loneliness #inequality #poverty #community #health #wellbeing Placemaking Education PlacemakingX Cormac Russell Shawn Duncan Tim Soerens Sam Pressler Michael Matheson Miller Caleb Whitmer https://lnkd.in/ejWMHPrC

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If you read half as much as I do, here is your fall shopping list

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