In the heart of East Africa, a transformative movement is about to unfold – Lightup Impact Days 2023, our 2nd annual, two-day conference. It’s a celebration of grassroots power, community wisdom, and the shared aspiration for positive change. This year, the theme is crystal clear: “Shift the Power.”
Join us for an experience that promises to challenge norms, amplify voices, and co-create a brighter future.
Empowering the Local: The Essence of #ShiftThePower
This #ShiftThePower campaign is more than just a hashtag; it’s a rallying cry for a new approach to development aid and philanthropy. We’ve all heard stories of well-intentioned interventions that missed the mark. Consider the tale of a village where women walked to the river daily to fetch water. An external organization installed pumps, pipes, and taps, aiming to alleviate their burden. But the women’s response was unexpected – they resisted the change. Why? Because the daily chore of fetching water was more than just a task; it was an opportunity for them to connect, share, and support each other.
This story exemplifies why the #ShiftThePower movement matters. It’s about recognizing that the solutions lie within communities themselves, and development must be led by those who understand the intricate threads of local life.
Lightup Impact Days 2023: A stage for transformation
Lightup Impact Days 2023 sets the stage to amplify grassroots leaders and their narratives. This event isn’t just about discussing ideas; it’s about passing the mic to those driving changes from within. For two days, we’ll engage in interactive sessions, dynamic workshops and trainings, and thought-provoking discussions, all centered on the principles of community philanthropy and subsidiarity.
The tracks of change: #ShiftThePower in action
At the core of Lightup Impact Days are the key tracks that guide our conversations and actions toward impactful outcomes:
Beyond the hashtag: walking the talk of change
The power shift doesn’t end at the conference doors. We’re not just promoting change, we’re embodying it. Lightup Impact Days is a call for action, urging organizations to re-evaluate their role and become catalysts for bottom-up change. It’s about allocating resources based on subsidiarity – acknowledging that real issues are best addressed at the local level.
The world is witnessing a new democratic movement in philanthropy and development. Community foundations, women’s funds, and social enterprises all challenge the top-down approach. They emphasize that local people are the true architects of their destinies. Lightup Impact Days stands at the crossroads of this movement, where we come together to learn, grow, and shift power.
Join the movement: illuminate the path forward
Imagine a world where development is not imposed but emerges from the ground up. A world where communities thrive because they have the power to shape their futures. This is the vision of Lightup Impact Days 2023, and you’re invited to be part of it.
As you engage in discussions, network with like-minded changemakers, and immerse yourself in the stories of grassroots heroes, remember that you are igniting a powerful transformation.
So, mark your calendars, pack your passion, and get ready to be part of something extraordinary.
