Fenomenal Funds is a feminist funder collaborative using a shared governance model and participatory grantmaking to support the resilience of women’s funds who are members of the Prospera International Network of Women’s Funds.
Bringing together a diverse group from different geographies, languages, and time zones requires intentionality to create a welcoming space. This effort demands time, the right people, systems, tools, and consistent commitment. Fenomenal Funds didn’t have all the answers initially, but we quickly realized that inclusion and full participation were essential for meaningful collaboration. We improved by identifying barriers and finding ways to overcome them, leveling the playing field for everyone.
Language Justice
Fenomenal Funds values language justice, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably in their preferred language. Initially, finding simultaneous interpreters with the necessary technical and feminist language skills was challenging. With community support, we expanded our pool of translators and interpreters, figured out the technology, and scheduled sessions early. We provided simultaneous interpretation in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Cantonese, and Korean. Collaboration groups embraced language justice, using tools like Google Translate to include all participants.
Time Justice
The women’s funds participating span five regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Scheduling meetings that accommodate all time zones was challenging, especially for the Asia and Pacific region. We tried different strategies, including hiring facilitators from various regions and offering sessions twice to cover different time zones. While no single solution was perfect, these strategies helped achieve time justice.
Accessibility
We aimed to address barriers for staff with visual or hearing impairments by seeking support from a digital accessibility organization. Although no participants required it, we were prepared to provide screen readers, sign language services, or closed captioning. Facilitators invited participants to request special accommodations, ensuring inclusivity and the fewest possible barriers to participation.