Volume IV: Co-Creation
Weaving a community of care and belonging so that we can be generous together
Ethnic and economic division has torn the fabric of society, including relationships between leaders of funding orgs and Black nonprofit leaders. Weaving connection is our approach to solving this problem because solutions are the fruit of connection. At THE LOOM, we tell the stories of how these relationships are being woven and mended through trust, honor, mutuality, and co-creation.
Co-Creation: the practice of collaborating with other stakeholders to guide the design process. Co-creation is particularly about alignment in between participants and cross-pollinate of expertise and viewpoints.
"Co-Creation takes time, patience, and care but out of that comes richer, fuller, lasting fruit.”
-Tyler Green
Tapestry II: A spoken word written and performed by Strong Moore
Black Justice Fund, a Pioneering Experiment in Co-creation
Gabrielle Butler & Sue Ann Arnall
The Golden Thread: Kori Hall and John-Mark Hart Discuss Co-Creation and Redemptive Generosity
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
Loom team member Taylor Doe shares how we can co-create opportunities in his TEDx Talk on ‘And Then’ Moments.
“Co-Creation is standard best practice of any work aimed at sustained community transformation.”
-Scotia Moore
Practices in Co-Creation
Develop an asset-based approach to community development and funding. Look for more than the problems in the community, look for the community’s strengths and potential.
Prioritize structured listening sessions with shareholders (funding partners, community members, program participants, program leaders etc).
Include community representation in the design and decision-making around funding. (Budget to pay them as consultants informing the work by sharing their lived experiences and perspectives)
Recognize your ‘and then’ moments and become an ‘and then’ for someone else.
Imagine a future outcome co-created by all shareholders.
Use your time, knowledge, relational network, expertise, and lived experience to unlock opportunities for others.
Don’t forget to celebrate progress together!
Threads
Threads are the resources that informed our weaving.
Restore OKC co-creates with the next generation, community members, and public/private partners to bring food and hope to NE OKC
What does it look like to truly shift power in philanthropy?
KFOR story on Black Justice Fund
Tools to help you learn to co-create
Volume IV Gratitudes: Special thanks to those who made Volume IV possible.
Share your thoughts or experiences.
We would love to hear your thoughts or experiences regarding ethnicity and funding or any feedback you would like to share. Feel free to share them in the form below…anonymously if you prefer. You are also part of the story that is unfolding.