The Changemaker Book Club

From Generosity to Justice

by Darren Walker
 

April is, well, tax season. And for many non-profits who start a new fiscal year on July 1, it’s Q4 and budgeting season. 

So I thought it fitting we dive into a book author Darren Walker calls “the new gospel of wealth.” Arguing Carnegie’s original Gospel of Wealth published in 1889 is long overdue for an update, in April’s book, From Generosity to Justice, argues just that, it’s time to move from generosity to justice.

This month’s book is free (yay!), but only available on the Ford Foundation’s website, where Walker is the President. Even though I’m not a huge fan of listening to audiobooks (there’s something about holding a book in my hands that captures my full attention better), much like my own audiobook, I do think audiobooks take on a special quality when read by author, and Walker is no exception. Even if audiobooks aren’t usually your jam, I recommend trying this one!

Dive into this book and save the date when we’ll discuss it in the Changemaker Book Club Chat on May 3. 

No time to read along?

• Use the form at the top of the page to join the book club where I'll share my key insights and "cliff notes". 
• Check out Walker's recent interview on 60 Minutes or this podcast interview, "Using Privilege to Fight Privilege" with the Washington Post.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Rebecca Skloot

It’s April, which means tax season. Two words comprising the most dreaded phrase in the history of language. It’s also Q4 and budgeting season for many nonprofits starting the fiscal year on July 1.

Bearing that in mind, this month’s book is called From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth by Darren Walker. Walker serves as the president of the Ford Foundation, and in his book he argues that Andrew Carnegie’s original “The Gospel of Wealth,” published in 1889, is in dire need of revising.

It’s all about updating philanthropy for the 21st century, and pinpointing whether there’s a continuum between generosity and justice. How do we move closer to justice in this climate? Walker also challenges us to think of philanthropy as a means for achieving political, economic, and social justice.

To do that, we need to recognize our privilege and position in life and listen to marginalized voices who’ve experienced injustice. We must also eradicate societal injustice, ripping it out by the roots.

Fun fact: From Generosity to Justice is absolutely free, but it’s only available on Ford Foundations website.
https://loom.ly/dl_Q3T8 

No time to read along?

• Use the form at the top of the page to join the book club where I'll share my key insights and "cliff notes". 
• Check out Walker's interview on 60-Minutes for the general gist.

Hood Feminism: Notes From The Women That a Movement Forgot

by Mikki Kendall

In honor of Black History Month, we're digging in to examine the history of intersectionality (or lack thereof) in feminism.  

Described as a “potent and electrifying critique of today’s feminist movement announcing a fresh new voice in Black feminism,” Hood Feminism consists of a collection of essays wherein Kendall explores how traditional feminist waves have failed to be inclusive and address all women’s needs. She draws from her experiences with violence, hyper-sexualization, and hunger while including searing commentary on pop culture, the mental health stigma, and much more.

Mikki challenges us to heed the true meaning of feminism with our thoughts and actions, and ensure we include all women when we champion women’s equality. She argues that all too often, feminism doesn't focus on basic survival for the many, but increasing privilege for the few. 

In each chapter, Kendall invites readers to explore particular issues including gun violence, hunger, housing, poverty, and politics, and how the lenses and lessons needed to truly show up as a feminist advocating for equality for all women. 

No time to read along?

• Use the form at the top of the page to join the book club where I'll share my key insights and "cliff notes". 
• Watch Kendall's interview with Trevor Noah on the Daily Show or listen to her interview on the Code Switch Podcast. Both examine her book through the lens of early coronavirus days, but are still incredible relevant today!

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist

by Kate Raworth

New year, new book! We’re kicking off 2022 with a Changemaker Book Club selection that will change how we think about economics. Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate Raworth presents seven ways to reshape our initial understanding of economics and creates a new model illustrating what true human prosperity looks like and how to achieve it.

If this read sounds daunting to you, and if you’re thinking, “But Mo, I’m not an economist!” guess what? Doughnut Economics is easily digestible (See what I did there?) and comprehensible, even for those who haven’t studied economics at Oxford University like Raworth.

Full disclosure: this book kicks things up a notch. It’s more advanced than previous Changemaker selections. Someday, I think Doughnut Economics could play a major role in cultivating a more inclusive economy.

The doughnut-shaped model Raworth constructs challenges the notion of “infinite growth.” Our economy can’t grow infinitely – neither does anything else on Earth. She gives us a comprehensive blueprint for game-changing economic success. She even sprinkles (Yep, I did it again! I’ll see myself out…) in pictures and poignant stories to add a human element. I can’t wait to dive deep into Doughnut Economics with you. 

No time to read along?

• Use the form at the top of the page to join the book club where I'll share my key insights and "cliff notes". 
• Watch Raworth's TED Talk: A healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow 

Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves From Old Habits and Fears

by Pema Chödrön

We’ve all got a lot going on this month, so I’m keeping the December Changemaker Book Club selection simple and impactful. 

This easy-to-read 74-page book explores internal narratives on energy and emotions and freeing ourselves from destructive patterns, and how, by doing so, we can collectively create a better world. It’s also a great guidebook for the challenging emotions that can come with the holiday season!

This book aligns so closely with how I ground my coaching practice. I help brave leaders build a practice of pausing to acknowledge energy, emotions, and internal narratives in service of creating more including workplaces, social experiences, and ultimately the world. 

No time to read along?

• Use the form at the top of the page to join the book club where I'll share my key insights and "cliff notes". 
• Listen to her talk with Dan Harris on his Ten Percent Happier Podcast: Best of the Archives: Holding it Together When Things Fall Apart | Pema Chödrön

The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery

by Dr. Sarah Lewis

This month, I invite you to join me in exploring a book about failure, redefining success, and the pursuit of mastery. From the book jacket:

"It is one of the enduring enigmas of the human experience: many of our most iconic, creative endeavors -- from Nobel Prize-winning discoveries to entrepreneurial inventions and works in the arts -- are not achievements but conversations, corrections after failed attempts. 

The Rise explores the inestimable value of often-ignored ideas - the power of surrender for fortitude, the criticality of play for innovation, the propulsion of the near win on the road to mastery, and the importance of grit and creative practice."

I chose this book because many of us are making intentional choices about what life looks like after the “great pandemic pause,” and this book provokes deep thought on the journey that is rising after challenge. Join the book club to read along!

No time to read along?

• Use the form at the top of the page to join the book club where I'll share my key insights and "cliff notes". 
• Listen to Brené with Dr. Sarah Lewis on The Rise, the Creative Process, and the Difference Between Mastery and Success  on the Dare to Lead Podcast