PHILOS SALON SERIES
What if we treated each other in philanthropy with the same love, care, and reciprocity we hope to nurture in the world?
Philos Salons are an invitation to pause, gather, and imagine as we practice beloved community. The Salons are a space for care, connection, and courageous reflection in philanthropy.
Each salon brings together 20–25 people in an intimate setting to share a meal, build relationships, and practice how we want to show up for one another as we pursue our collective liberation.
The name "Philos" comes from the Greek word for love between friends, kin, and community—a love rooted in mutual care and trust. These gatherings invite us to practice that kind of love in philanthropy, drawing from the Black radical tradition of freedom dreaming to envision and embody a more just and liberatory future.
In 2025, we are bringing Philos Salons to New York City, Detroit, Washington, DC, Seattle, and the Bay Area in collaboration with foundation partners. While each gathering is unique, all share a common spirit:
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Breaking bread. A shared meal to slow down, nourish ourselves, and meet as equals.
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Heartfelt conversations. Thoughtful dialogue about philanthropy, care, and the world we are building.
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Art & Creativity. Creative practices such as poetry, music, and collage will abound to deepen our exploration.
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A ripple of reciprocity. Each group of salon participants passes forward a gift representing a practice, idea, or reflection to the next gathering.
As we gather, we will reflect on the insights and questions that emerge about how we can and will practice the future we seek and deserve. We will carry these insights forward through writing, storytelling, and conversations in spaces like our podcast Becoming the Vision. Each salon both nurtures those in the room and contributes to a broader collective dialogue about how we can show up in beloved community in philanthropy in service to collective liberation.