Keynote speakers include Ambassador James A. Joseph and Dr. Gar Alperovitz.

You're Invited!

Our nation faces challenging tasks ahead. How do we build strong, vibrant, financially stable communities that reflect the rich but complex culture that is America in the 21st century?

The pieces of the puzzle are many. During the conference, we will begin to explore how these issues play out across the country:

• How do we resurrect the notion of the common good while recognizing the importance of individual people and communities?
• How do we celebrate breakthroughs in race relations while acknowledging setbacks?
• How do we encourage economic growth and development while demanding economic justice for people and places left behind?

Still grappling with the consequences of racial and economic inequity, North Carolina is working out solutions to these challenges in real time. At the conference, we will learn more about the state’s rich network of nonprofits, foundations and universities and the innovative philanthropic, programmatic and public policy responses they are developing and implementing.

North Carolina is home to a vibrant, entrepreneurial and civically engaged African-American community, with some of the largest African-American owned financial institutions in the country. With a rapidly expanding Hispanic population and a burgeoning Asian population, North Carolina’s response to the challenges and opportunities regarding immigration and diversity can serve as a model to other regions also tackling these issues.

The conference will examine the impact that asset-building strategies and programs are having on low- and moderate-income families and communities, and how public, private and philanthropic organizations around the country are partnering to build both the personal and financial resources needed to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.

Join your colleagues in Durham, where we will explore how to assemble the critical elements of race, place and equity to begin to piece the puzzle together.