There’s a lot of power in philanthropic work – it’s a way to dole out money to communities directly affected by issues, but it’s also an opportunity to reclaim our imagination. As we learn today, when public dollars are in the right hands, we're able to invest in our local communities, leverage change, and create a vibrant multiracial democracy. In this episode, Lemonada host and journalist Gloria Riviera chats with the president and CEO of Marguerite Casey Foundation, Dr. Carmen Rojas, about the countless ways their investment is helping shape a society that works for everyday people.

This episode is presented by the Marguerite Casey Foundation. MCF supports leaders who work to shift the balance of power in their communities toward working people and families, and who have the vision and capacity for building a truly representative economy. Learn more at caseygrants.org or visit on social media @caseygrants.

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Good Things, from Lemonada Media is a show about all the capeless superheroes out there working day in and day out to make things better for the rest of us. Each episode will focus on one of our country’s most complex and confounding issues in an effort to affect systemic change. We’re not just talking about the problems. We’re focusing on solutions – with the people putting them into action. The first episode will be out April 30, wherever you get your podcasts.

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In the late 90s, sociologist and organizer Rami Nashashibi encountered Chicago communities facing poverty, gun violence and substandard housing. Rather than succumb to pessimism or despair, he founded the Inner-City Muslim Action Network to organize people to fight for community investment and dignified lives. Guest host Stephanie Wittels Wachs speaks with Rami about how both his upbringing and his Muslim faith shape his vision for social justice. Plus, Rami shares what it takes to build and sustain trust in an interfaith coalition.

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Resources from the show

• Follow the Inner-City Muslim Action Network’s initiatives in Chicago and Atlanta by visiting https://www.imancentral.org/
• Learn more about what the Marguerite Casey Foundation supports: https://www.caseygrants.org/

Learn more about today's guest:

• Follow Rami on Twitter @RamiNashashibi

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

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