Essays

Nonprofits: Equity Begins Within

Many nonprofits and foundations are applying an “equity lens” to look outward at social problems and solutions, disaggregating data and seeking to differentiate opportunities and services to reduce disparities. But our organizations and collective efforts must begin by looking inward, using an “equity mirror” to examine our own composition, culture, and policies that reinforce and perpetuate societal disparities. To do equity, we must also be equity.

How I Learned About Leadership from Addiction Recovery

Understanding how change happens in people’s lives, seeking mentors, owning mistakes, suspending judgment, letting go, forgiving, and paying it all forward — these are priceless leadership lessons learned I’ve learned in an unusual way.

The Problem With Restroom Libertarianism

I have long found men’s public restrooms as the most useful rejoinder against libertarianism. In the most private of public spaces, men’s selfish impulses rule to the detriment of common good.

Why I Was Arrested Standing Up for Dontre Hamilton in Milwaukee

This weekend I spent 24 hours in jail for protesting the , the unarmed man shot 14 times by a Milwaukee police officer in a downtown park. I am compelled to write about my experience to share why I chose to join this protest and to correct the narrative law enforcement leaders in Milwaukee have used to inaccurately paint a picture of the protests and arrests.

How Change Happens: The Real Story of Mrs. Rosa Parks and The Montgomery Bus Boycott

In our culture, we love stories about lone heroes, the single protagonist who overcomes obstacles to achieve his or her goal makes a better movie. The true story of change, however, is always far more complex.

Educating Reformers and Activists: Howard Fuller’s Powerful Example and Lessons

Dr. Fuller’s new memoir is a remarkable journey through the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, social service and school reform efforts, and the interplay between roles of activist, administrator, and leader. It should be a textbook for all those who work for social change.

The Culture of Collective Impact

Collective impact efforts must be as rigorous about culture as they are about strategy and data if they wish to achieve enduring change.

Honoring Dr. King the Man Not the Icon

The iconic Dr. King teaches us incomplete lessons about leadership and the struggle for social change that can only be completed by understanding the true, three-dimensional Dr. King.

Schmitz Reflects on 20 Years at Public Allies

Social-Change Activist to Step Down

The announcement of my departure from Public Allies.

The March Was More Than a Speech

On the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, it is important that social change agents heed the actual history of the event and the difference between organizing people to lead a cause together versus mobilizing people to support one.

Richard Murphy: A Powerful Example of Servant Leadership

Last month, New York City and our nation lost one of the greatest social entrepreneurs and mentors of the last few decades, Richard Murphy. His legacy should serve as an example of true servant leadership for all social entrepreneurs and leaders.