Giving Compass' Take:

• This post from The Chronicle of Philanthropy (via Haas Jr.) discusses Manuel Pastor's new book State of Resistance — an in-depth profile of activism in California and how its brought about substantial social change.

• Takeaways from philanthropists include the importance of community organizing and prioritizing racial equity, which should inform grantmaking all across the country.

• Here's more on how California can provide a lens for civil society in a majority-minority America.

There is a lot of talk these days about how California provides a counternarrative to the divisive, ill-considered policies of the federal government. In his new book, State of Resistance, Manuel Pastor, a University of Southern California professor, offers an engaging, up-close view of how California’s contrariness came about.

A key force in the state’s transformation, Pastor asserts, is the role of grass-roots activists and social movements in pushing state leaders to accept and embrace government’s rightful role as a force for positive social change. As Pastor reminds us, "Policy change does not always start in the halls of state or local legislatures but rather in the streets, workplaces, and voting booths, where power is contested."

Here are several takeaways from the book that we believe all grantmakers can learn from:

Community organizing can be potent. While philanthropy generally worships at the altar of "innovation" — always seeking out the newest and freshest idea — Pastor’s book reminds us that the most important way to bring about change is what has long worked well: mobilizing grass-roots advocates and letting them work with people in their communities to shape a policy agenda.

If the case study of California means anything, it tells philanthropy to give priority to investments in community organizing and grassroots activism.

Change takes time. While social change is always urgent, "patient money" is critical for philanthropy. Societal progress and bold leaps forward don’t happen in grant cycles.

Good people and management are crucial. Investments in helping organizations strengthen their management and leadership, build networks and coalitions, and tell their stories are far from sexy or flashy as philanthropic strategy. But they are the smartest investments we can make to promote equity in America.

Read the full article about grassroots activism in California by Robert Ross and Cathy Cha at Chronicle of Philanthropy (via Haas Jr.)