Ideas in Action is our space to test, question, reimagine, and share the thinking that challenges our assumptions and shapes the conversations that drive us forward.
Some perspectives are our own. Others come from partners, collaborators, and bold voices we’re in dialogue with. We may not agree with every idea and position — but every one of them helps sharpen how we think, what we build, and how we show up.
Have an idea, insight, or perspective you think belongs here? E-mail us at connect@mboldenchange.org.
“Liberal” Philanthropy Needs a Reckoning
While liberal funders talk justice and social change, it’s conservative donors who are funding boldly — offering multiyear, unrestricted dollars to shape the future they want. If your funding depends on tone, timing, or how “palatable” the work is — it’s not support. It’s movement management. It’s gatekeeping.
“Liberal” Philanthropy Needs a Reckoning
While liberal funders talk justice and social change, it’s conservative donors who are funding boldly — offering multiyear, unrestricted dollars to shape the future they want. If your funding depends on tone, timing, or how “palatable” the work is — it’s not support. It’s movement management. It’s gatekeeping.
Beyond the Rhetoric: Why Eliminating Disparate Impact Protections is a Direct Attack on Equality
Here's the truth: Disparate impact isn’t about guaranteeing equal outcomes. It’s about recognizing when supposedly neutral systems produce discriminatory results—and giving communities a way to challenge them.
If we are serious about advancing equality of opportunity—not just preserving privilege under the guise of neutrality—we need policies that address barriers to opportunity at every stage.
A real commitment to equality of opportunity requires taking action across key areas to:
- Strengthen and Enforce Disparate Impact Protections
- Expand Access to Fair Credit and Lending
- Advance Labor Equity
- Fund Equitable Education
- Ensure Housing Equity
- Strengthen Healthcare Access and Equity
- Rebuild a Trust-Based Safety Net
- Democratize Power and Representation
Beyond the Rhetoric: Why Eliminating Disparate Impact Protections is a Direct Attack on Equality
Here's the truth: Disparate impact isn’t about guaranteeing equal outcomes. It’s about recognizing when supposedly neutral systems produce discriminatory results—and giving communities a way to challenge them.
If we are serious about advancing equality of opportunity—not just preserving privilege under the guise of neutrality—we need policies that address barriers to opportunity at every stage.
A real commitment to equality of opportunity requires taking action across key areas to:
- Strengthen and Enforce Disparate Impact Protections
- Expand Access to Fair Credit and Lending
- Advance Labor Equity
- Fund Equitable Education
- Ensure Housing Equity
- Strengthen Healthcare Access and Equity
- Rebuild a Trust-Based Safety Net
- Democratize Power and Representation
The Myths That Keep Us Stuck
The myth of meritocracy doesn’t just distort how we think about fairness and success—it changes how we treat each other.
Work hard, play by the rules, and you’ll succeed. Right? But the truth is, no one is self-made.
This sharp, animated short—featuring political philosopher Michael Sandel—shows how the myth of meritocracy justifies inequality and erodes our sense of collective responsibility.
It’s time to reimagine what fairness looks like and build a system rooted in real opportunity for all.
The myth of meritocracy doesn’t just distort how we think about fairness and success—it changes how we treat each other.
Work hard, play by the rules, and you’ll succeed. Right? But the truth is, no one is self-made.
This sharp, animated short—featuring political philosopher Michael Sandel—shows how the myth of meritocracy justifies inequality and erodes our sense of collective responsibility.
It’s time to reimagine what fairness looks like and build a system rooted in real opportunity for all.
The Myths That Keep Us Stuck
The Earned Income Tax Credit should be permanently expanded — not gutted.
It’s one of the most effective anti-poverty tools we have. But cuts, age restrictions, and exclusions that leave out workers without dependent children and ITIN filers are weakening its impact — and taxing millions into poverty.
We’re fighting for a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive EITC — one that reflects the real cost of living and the full diversity of our workforce.