Moments like these have a way of revealing underlying structural inequities; this pandemic and demands for justice are shining a bright light on the brutality of structural racism and class inequality. And as communities of color and low-wage workers bear the brunt of these effects, we see how some leaders are using this as an opportunity to roll back rights and restrict democracy. 

Yet, crises have a way of presenting opportunities to do things in ways that were not possible before. The year ahead offers a chance to build a more resilient democracy. We can work toward a society where the most impacted communities have the power to exert greater control over the issues and outcomes that most affect their lives, and where structural reforms can bring about more resilient, inclusive, and equitable democratic outcomes.

The 2020 FCCP Convening occurred during a time of important opportunities and unprecedented threats. There was a hunger, and an opportunity, to challenge those who traditionally hold power, and change the story of who and what is at the center of our politics and our economy.

Thank you for joining us online June 22-23 as we brought together funders and community changemakers for two days of learning, networking, and alignment conversations. As we review our work thus far and look toward the remainder of the year and beyond, we:

• Learned about the current state and necessary shifts of the 2020 civic engagement field in Texas and around the country, 
• Provided space to share critical efforts from our working groups and special projects, particularly around the census and redistricting, as well as money in politics,
• Continued to prioritize equity and justice as key tenets of what it looks like to build long term power in communities, and
• Had funder-focused conversations that enhanced collaboration for not only the remainder of 2020, but for the years and changes to come.