Zahra Jamal, Ph.D., CDP

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about the need for a "whole-of-society approach" to advancing social connection. We've tried to heed that call in our work at Einhorn Collaborative, supporting a broader range of efforts that engage actors across sectors. That includes: Projects like Team Up to enlist large national civic organizations with a presence in local communities to help people build connection across difference through service. Research groups like Building H to measure the impact of products on consumers’ health and urge companies to do better to improve social connection and other health outcomes. Initiatives like Human Connections AI to bring together social connection experts with technologists to puzzle through how AI companions can be designed to enhance and not degrade human relationships. Another project that has helped us explore a facet of the whole-of-society approach is the Connective Tissue Framework, which puts forward a range of recommendations for how government – especially at the local level – can create the structural conditions and everyday opportunities for people to experience healthy connection. I've learned a lot from Sam Pressler, lead author of Connective Tissue. In this piece, I asked Sam to share more about the story behind the framework and a few highlights. https://lnkd.in/esayJU3b

94

14 Comments

Listening to Patrick MacKenzie, Manjeet Dhiman, Steve Reynolds and Tonie Chaltas discussing the desire to focus on #outcomes, rather than outputs. I absolutely agree, *and* tracking real, long term social outcomes is a lot harder than nonprofits are given credit for, making a lot of outcome data...wrong, or little more than outputs. 1) As a former academic very familiar with #surveyfatigue, in gathering outcome data, we need to recognize misaligned incentives between what is in it for "us" (nonprofits, or funders incl. government) who want this data to create better data driven programs, vs. the incentives for our research subjects (in this case, newcomers). What do/can we offer to incentivise the gathering of qualitative data 6 months, 1 year, 3+ years down the road? A couple good examples were shared: Manjeet Dhiman mentioned the community created at ACCES Employment that clients want to return to that helps people stay involved. Patrick MacKenzie mentioned Immigrant Employment Council of BC's work with employers to understand and align value for their knowledge and hiring practices. Otherwise though, this needs more thought. 2) Then you add in the constraints of low #nonprofitfunding, short project timeframes, and the common pressure to #scale #impact ("what you're doing works? Great, now reach more people!"). The result is a version of the "good, fast, cheap: pick two" adage for social impact: "gather deep longitudinal outcome data (good); scale your impact (big); and stretch your budget (cheap)" For both ourselves and funders, it should be: pick two. All to say, YES we should be focusing on #outcomes, but there needs to be deeper understanding from nonprofits and funders of what it takes to realistically do so. Fortunately, smart minds in #MEL have been tackling this for a while, and I'm excited about the opportunities for tech to help with some (but not all) of the problem. #FutureofSettlementServices The Conference Board of Canada #ImmigrationSummit2024

73

3 Comments

I write to extend my heartfelt gratitude to U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree for her unwavering leadership and advocacy for the rights of asylum seekers. Her recent op-ed eloquently highlights the critical need for the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act. This legislation is not just a compassionate response to the plight of asylum seekers; it is a pragmatic solution that benefits our communities and economy. Asylum seekers come to the U.S. fleeing persecution, violence and unimaginable hardships in their home countries. Upon arrival, they seek safety and a chance to rebuild their lives. However, current federal regulations mandate a prolonged waiting period of 180 days before they can apply for work authorization. During this time, many are unable to support themselves or their families. Rep. Pingree has rightly pointed out that allowing asylum seekers to work sooner would alleviate their financial burdens, reduce their dependence on public assistance and enable them to contribute to the economy. With Maine facing a labor shortage, the potential workforce that asylum seekers represent could fill critical gaps in various industries, from health care to agriculture. The act aims to reduce the waiting period for work permits from 180 to 30 days. This change would provide asylum seekers with a timely opportunity to secure employment, fostering their independence and integration into our communities. Moreover, it would empower them to contribute their skills and talents to the American workforce, enriching our society as a whole. It is time for Congress to heed Rep. Pingree’s call and take decisive action. Pious Ali Portland

93

Today, I’m speaking on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Gender-Based Violence Technical Expert Panel. I’ll be sharing my lived experience and focusing on a few issues including: (1) Fighting the “good victim” narrative - Ensuring that mental health and substance use challenges are not used to discount or blame survivors. (2) Providing access to comprehensive resources - Moving beyond just talk therapy and medication to include resources like economic support, spirituality, and somatic healing. (3) The importance of training providers and survivor voices - No matter the role, a lot of people get uncomfortable or unsure of what to say (or say and do extremely harmful things), everyone in mental health should be equipped with language and information to support survivors. (4) How GBV will continue to change with technology - This can include more access to information and support but also risks like deepfakes, sharing information, and constant monitoring. Grateful to SAMHSA for centering survivors and this under addressed issue in mental health.

288

13 Comments

Thrilled to share my latest open-access article, "Redefining Leadership: Spirituality & Motherhood in Muslim Women's Educational Leadership." Please check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eStHc7ps #IslamicEducation #Leadership #MuslimWomen

22

2 Comments

This critical report begins with a solid example of the bias neurodivergent folks face in the neuro-typical career funnel. We have to study AI and ND to innovate in favor of NeuroX: "For example, many jobs use automated employment decision tools as part of their hiring process. These can include resume screeners and video interview tools that use algorithms to analyze things like vocal cadence or eye movements. These tools can unfairly screen disabled applicants from jobs by, for example, flagging the unusual eye movement of a blind or low-vision individual and removing them from the applicant pool as a result. " **Or someone who avoids eye contact**. #neuroxnj

9

The choice is clear: Progress or chaos Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz made a strong appeal to Muslim and Arab American voters, urging them to stand with Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Addressing concerns over Gaza, Walz emphasized that Harris understands the suffering of Palestinians and supports a ceasefire, while also defending Israel’s right to self-defense. Walz also highlighted Harris’ balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. While she firmly believes in Israel's right to defend itself, she knows the importance of ending human suffering in Gaza. Harris is dedicated to finding a solution that brings peace and security for both sides, moving toward a two-state solution, where Gaza can thrive, and hostages can be safely returned. This vision is crucial for voters who are tired of empty promises and inflammatory politics Contrasting Harris’ balanced approach with Trump’s harmful record, Walz reminded voters of Trump’s Muslim travel ban and divisive rhetoric. “Trump offers you nothing,” he said, warning that Trump’s policies don’t serve the interests of Muslim Americans. With Harris, there’s a clear path forward; with Trump, only chaos. Read more stories here: https://lnkd.in/gdHsNQjy #VoteForPeace #KamalaHarris2024 #UnityNotDivision #GazaCeasefire #TwoStateSolution #StopTheHate #YouthForChange #FutureForward

1

1 Comment

Parole isn't freedom; it's a conditional release from imprisonment that comes with its own set of challenges and restrictions. As individuals granted parole, we experience a reality that is modified, constrained, and delimited. From restricted travel and living arrangements to limitations on basic rights like voting and bearing arms, the constraints are significant. The mandatory work, ankle monitors, curfews, and various programs further emphasize the lack of true freedom. It's crucial to engage in conversations about these struggles and shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals on parole. #ParoleReality #CriminalJusticeInsights https://lnkd.in/gstHm4vf

2

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

25

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:

23

1 Comment

What does voter suppression look like? How often do we recognize when it’s happening in our neighborhoods? Join Healing Equity United’s webinar to learn what actions you can take for election protection in your communities. #elections #voting #electionprotection #bias

2

It's time to shift our perspectives for transformative impact. 💥 The Black Funding Principles call on donors to adopt a social justice lens in funding decisions. Partnering with a philanthropic advisor can help to leverage this principle to tackle the root causes of inequity and drive long-lasting change. 💡 🌀 Embracing this principle means looking beyond surface-level solutions. It’s about understanding and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. By funding with a social justice lens, we pave the way for comprehensive, transformative change that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Adopting a social justice lens is pivotal in reshaping the narrative and impact of our funding. Committing to this principle is recognizing that a socially just approach is key to breaking the cycles of inequity. 🖤 #BlackPhilanthropy #fundingprinciples

15

*an addition I would make: actively challenge the systems you have power or influence over that create stress to them. Have a report deadline you created? Be flexible with it. Ask your own team if the data you’re collecting can be reduced or eliminated to decrease workload on NP partners. Ask your grantees how you can be supportive to them, because while I have a compliance responsibility to my upstream funder, I have a personal and professional commitment to and investment in the spirit of the work my grantees put forward. Its my job to reduce their stress and barriers so they can do the work to the best of their ability. Period. If I’m stressing them out as a funder, I’m doing something wrong.

4

Amideast remains committed to geographic and institutional diversity. In 2024, #Fulbright MENA participants studied in 43 Minority Serving Institutions including: 🎓 26 Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) 🎓 1 Historically Black College and University (HCBU) 🎓30 Hispanic Serving Iinstitutions (HSI) 🎓1 Predominantly Black Institution (PBI).

11

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

27

1 Comment

For anyone beginning a new strategic initiative or strategic planning process, this article is a wonderful resource. Congrats to Marilyn Darling and Veena Pankaj for the recently published "Seeding Impact: Shifting from Orchestration to Emergence." Full article at https://lnkd.in/eHD6QMcm #impact #strategy #strategicplanning #emergentlearning #systemschange

6

I wanted to share this article by Dr Maha Hilal calling out the marketing attempts that proliferate in politics and policy circles in the US and worldwide - in lieu of substantive and difficult interactions that can generate actually justifiable policies. https://lnkd.in/gPeaRwra

7

1 Comment