Alternatives is an equity driven, anti-racist youth service organization that provides Behavioral Health services and Restorative Justice programs in and out of schools. Alternatives’ mission is to inspire young people to create a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. They work predominantly with young people of color in Chicago, ages 10 to 24, and their families, who are negatively impacted by racial and economic inequity, high rates of incarceration, exclusionary and punitive school-discipline practices, community violence, and pervasive trauma. In recent years, they have also developed their Policy & Advocacy department to approach and encourage macro-level systems change in our communities to combat these systemic harms.
The Cocktails & Complicity conversation series was created to address and unpack the intersections of capitalism, nonprofits, and philanthropy, and how each of these reinforce systemic oppression rather than challenge it. Each quarter, Alternatives invites community members, supporters, colleagues, and curious folks to join us for light bites and beverages as Executive Director Bessie Alcantara leads conversations that center POC challenges and experiences navigating the nonprofit sector and philanthropic world.
This season, she is joined by ángela munguía, Executive Director of AMPT: Advancing Nonprofits, and Jamyle Cannon, Founder and Executive Director of The Bloc, who bring their expertise as trailblazing nonprofit leaders advancing equity and social justice in their work. Select conversations are also periodically featured on their podcast, Broken Office Chair. Attendees have shared that these events "feel like therapy," and they leave feeling less alone in their emotions, experiences, and struggles navigating the nonprofit world.
Our Publisher, Dr. Calynn Lawrence, and our Managing Editor, Dawn, had the pleasure of attending their most recent event in February as Calynn Communications & Creative was the media sponsor. It was nothing short of amazing! From the palpable intensity of the dialogue to the tasty complimentary treats and drinks, they both were wowed by their experience. Some of their favorite things were the venue, which was an urban art gallery in the West Loop area, the dynamic speakers who exemplified BIPOC excellence in their careers and knowledge, as well as the unmatched hospitality of the Alternatives Inc. staff.
Needless to say, in the current political climate, events like this are a true life saver for people of marginalized populations and society at large! Being able to learn from seasoned field leaders who are on the front lines and shaking things up on the ground in such an intimate setting is a blessing. Also, giving the audience a chance to engage directly with the speakers by asking questions or providing commentary in an open floor Q&A after the panel was comforting and inspiring. We will certainly be attending more events by Alternatives Inc. in the future and we recommend that you do too!
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