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If you followed our podcast A Guide to Freedom, check out our next podcast, Meeting the Moment. Listen in on conversations with extraordinary organizers and philanthropists—and some people who are both. We're starting with six episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Where does North Star Fund go from here? And where do Maureen and Risa go, having fallen down the rabbit hole down of social justice philanthropy? Do they continue on their paths as before? Or do they take that journey toward the “inward sea” and accept their invitation into the world of North Star Fund to begin a new journey — to finding their way toward freedom?

As Risa and Maureen journey into the depths of their hearts, and let go of these notions of what being a part of this movement ought to be, they begin to understand the limitless definition of giving. Of time. Of talent. Of leadership. Of resources. Even the smallest donations are meaningful, from them or from asking their friends and family, because these gifts to add up over time and make an impact. 

Social justice is not a sprint. It is not a marathon. It is a practice of compassion and insight that goes beyond donations, calls to action, and allyship. It takes education, community, giving, and self-reflection—all but the last of which can be found at North Star Fund. The contemplation required to understand their purposes in the world of social justice is on Maureen and Risa.  Are they prepared to go on those difficult and perpetual inward journeys?

Global pandemic. Worldwide protests. And yet. North Star Fund distributes $1.7 million in a short period of time. And yet. Communities receive critically needed resources with the help of funds given out from the Future of Organizing Fund. And yet. The Black-led organizing supported by the Let Us Breathe Fund continues and achieves significant successes in its march for justice. But, like so many Americans, Maureen and Risa realize that they have allowed these underserved communities to go unnoticed for so long and now deepen their resolve to meet these inequities head-on. 

Risa and Maureen try to wrap their heads around the fact that they have to 1) decolonize wealth and power, and 2) do it in unanticipated places, like philanthropy. They enter into “The Master’s House”: those mahogany paneled rooms of traditional philanthropy, only to feel overwhelmed, unwelcome, and unsure. They have to ask: how does North Star Fund make their process, their resources, and their community accessible to grassroots organizers who have to navigate the intimidating world of philanthropy. 

The hosts of Gulp Podcast, Maureen Sebastian and Risa Sarachan, journey down the rabbit hole to learn all about North Star Fund, questioning whether they are the right people to be hosting this podcast, being new to the North Star Fund world of social justice philanthropy. But first thing’s first: as newcomers, they ask, “So... what exactly does North Star Fund do?”