EDGE Americas Retreat 2023 – Cross-Regional Solidarity – Building Community for Systemic Change

EDGE Funders held its first in-person retreat for members and partners in the Americas, in Mexico City from May 31 to June 2, 2023. This retreat served as a valuable platform for EDGE members to convene, promoting an atmosphere of open dialogue and exchange regarding their respective work. The gathering aimed to foster a deeper connection among participants and facilitate discussions that could enhance their collaborative efforts.

The retreat’s primary objective was to create opportunities for in-depth discussions on ongoing projects, initiatives, and strategies. EDGE aimed to enable its members to explore ways to further support systemic alternatives within their organizations. This focus on systemic alternatives underscores EDGE’s commitment to challenging and transforming conventional systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice, especially in philanthropy. By fostering such conversations, EDGE seeks to encourage members to stop outsourcing solutions and start resourcing their own innovative practices.

Additionally, the retreat provided a dedicated space for discussions on grantmaking and how participants can use their resources to foster meaningful change. Members shared insights and experiences as funders and organizers, identifying ways to amplify their impact and drive social transformation. Engaging in lively discussions, collaborative workshops, and thought-provoking sessions, participants were encouraged to share challenges, successes, and aspirations. EDGE Staff expressed gratitude to all attendees, including Loren Cardely and Giovanna Morales, for their valuable perspectives on regional and grantmaker priorities.