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In recent years, discussions surrounding the nonprofit industrial complex have gained momentum as organizations grapple with the complexities of serving marginalized communities. This blog post delves into the impact of the nonprofit industrial complex on organizations, particularly those dedicated to uplifting marginalized populations. Additionally, we will explore the shifts in support for Black Lives following the tragic killing of George Floyd and the subsequent challenges faced by these nonprofits. Understanding the Nonprofit Industrial Complex: The nonprofit industrial complex is the system in which nonprofit organizations operate, characterized by a network of relationships between governments, philanthropic foundations, and nonprofit entities. While nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing societal issues, the complex also introduces challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. 1. Power Dynamics and Dependency:    The power dynamics within the nonprofit industrial complex can create dependencies that compromise the autonomy of organizations. Many nonprofits rely heavily on funding from foundations and governmental bodies, often shaping their agendas to align with the priorities of these funders. 2. Impact on Marginalized Communities:    Nonprofits serving marginalized populations can face additional hurdles within this complex. The emphasis on measurable outcomes and metrics may lead organizations to adopt strategies that prioritize funders' interests over the actual needs of the communities they aim to serve. Support for Black Lives: A Shifting Landscape: The killing of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a global outcry for justice and an end to systemic racism. Nonprofits advocating for racial justice and supporting Black Lives experienced an unprecedented surge in public support. However, as time has passed, sustaining that momentum has proven challenging. 1. Short-Term Solidarity vs. Long-Term Commitment:    The initial surge of support for Black Lives was powerful, with individuals and corporations expressing solidarity. However, sustaining long-term commitment to the cause requires ongoing efforts and systemic change. Nonprofits navigating this landscape must address the challenge of maintaining sustained support. 2. Donor Fatigue and Shifting Priorities:    Nonprofits often face the challenge of donor fatigue as attention shifts to other urgent issues. The decline in support for Black Lives initiatives highlights the need for organizations to diversify funding sources and build a resilient foundation for their advocacy work. Navigating Forward: As nonprofits grapple with the complexities of the industrial complex and the challenges of sustaining support for marginalized communities, several strategies can be employed: 1. Diversify Funding Sources:    To reduce dependency on specific funders, nonprofits should explore diverse funding sources, including grassroots donations, community partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. 2. Community-Centric Approaches:    Centering the needs and voices of marginalized communities in decision-making processes is crucial. Nonprofits must prioritize community engagement and ensure that their strategies align with the lived experiences of those they serve. 3. Advocacy for Systemic Change:    To address the root causes of inequality, nonprofits should engage in advocacy for systemic change. This involves challenging policies and practices that perpetuate disparities and collaborating with other organizations to amplify their impact. Conclusion: Navigating the nonprofit industrial complex and sustaining support for marginalized communities is undoubtedly challenging. However, by adopting community-centric approaches, diversifying funding sources, and advocating for systemic change, nonprofits can contribute to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a more equitable society. The journey ahead requires resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and equality.

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Media contact: Kelly Davidson info@kellymavenmedia.com 301.300.4011 September 15, 2021 DENVER - We affirm the Denver Public Schools for taking the sexual assault allegations against board member Tay Anderson seriously by starting an investigation into his reported harmful behavior. We understand there is some public confusion about allegations and our involvement. While continuing to protect the women who came to us for support, there are some facts we want to make clear: 1. Earlier this year we became aware of a Black woman who said she had been assaulted by Anderson. Through being in contact with her we learned what she needed for her healing. This resulted in our March statement, at her request, and our desire to protect other women who might come into contact with Anderson. 2. We believe in and work through a restorative justice framework. Part of this framework includes attempting to contact someone and address issues with them privately.However, we are also aware that this step cannot happen when the person who has experienced harm feels unsafe. There have been many cases of restorative justice where allowing the accused to obtain prior knowledge of the accusations and control of the narrative result in further harm to the survivor and their community. Our goal was to avoid that outcome and protect any women impacted at all costs. 3. Anderson’s alleged problematic behavior predates this most recent case. We’ve attempted to meet with Anderson and as of this date he has not responded. 4. We believe Black women. Full stop. Our involvement and statement aren’t motivated by anything other than our commitment to believe women who say they have been harmed and to prevent further harm. We are not investigating or participating in any litigation, so this will be the last we comment publicly while the truth is sought and appropriate actions are taken. We will continue to be a fierce protector for our community, sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and connect them with community supports to help them heal and move forward. One of our main purposes since inception has been to support Black community and help pave a path to liberation. For more information about our mission, members, and work, visit blacklivesmatter5280.com.

Thanks to a partnership with our friends at Moonshot edVentures , donations made between now and Friday 6/25 will be DOUBLED ! To Donate: 1. Go here 2. Select your donation amount 3. Under "DESIGNATION", scroll down to select "Black Lives Matter 5280 Freedom School" 4. Enter your payment and contact information 5. Click "Donate One Time" 6. Forward this to 10 people in your community and ask them to support equity in education by donating to the 5280 Freedom School !

We are pleased to announce a BLM5280 COVID-19 Vaccine Drive in partnership with Denver Department of Public Health and Environment and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College. Date: Tuesday, April 27th 9am - 3pm Location: Dr. MLK Jr. Early College, 19535 E 46th Ave Denver, CO 80249 Insurance is NOT required! Immigration status is NOT a factor! Vaccine type: Moderna Please make your informed decision to get vaccinated and register online at tinyurl.com/BLM5280Vaccine

During the Denver City Council Safety, Housing, Education, and Homelessness Committee meeting on March 24, 2021, DPD Chief Pazen provided a community update on the co-responder program and the Support Team Assistance Response (STAR) program. Chief Pazen inaccurately reported that BLM 5280 had representation on the group that aided in creating the STAR program. BLM 5280 nor any of its individual members sit on this advisory board. Chief Pazen nor his team consulted us on this presentation and did not even notify us of the presentation. We support the need for non-law enforcement community responses to 9-1-1 and crisis calls, such as the STAR pilot program. We would not work with law enforcement-led co-responder models, which send police officers and mostly white social workers to calls. The current co-responder models lack trauma-informed care through sending law enforcement to crisis calls. We encourage community engagement and involvement in conversations around public safety and policy changes regarding public safety. Oftentimes, Black people and communities (particularly Black women and Black LGBTQIA folx) are not invited to these conversations. As a chapter, we are also not invited to the table in these conversations, or our input is disregarded. If you want to know about the work that BLM 5280 is doing in the community, please consult our social media pages or our newly revamped website: www.blacklivesmatter5280.com. Questions? Contact blacklivesmatter5280@gmail.com