PACE: We are hearing that mitigation of immediate threats of political violence related to the inauguration is in the hands of law enforcement and intelligence officials right now. Are there actions civil society and civic groups can be taking to support mitigation in the next 10 days?

Over Zero: Harmful behaviors that should be named include the spreading of conspiracy and misinformation — an act in which some political leaders participated — with the intent to undermine a free and fair election; dangerous rhetoric (e.g., that which espouses hate or attacks people on the basis of identity); years of shifting norms and democratic backsliding; and more. It’s important that messaging in this moment goes beyond condemning recent, specific acts of violence; it needs to tie these acts to a bigger picture, identifying them as the inevitable consequence of the sustained stoking division, fear, and distrust in democratic institutions by leaders in recent years.

PACE: What about funders? What can they do right now?

OZ: Funders have an opportunity to use their civic leadership and social capital. Many funders have branch operations or are connected to networks that provide political funding — they can use these operations to take a stand. For example, Marriott International, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Commerce Bancshares all announced that they will indefinitely suspend donations to representatives who objected to certifying the election results; others, including JP Morgan, Chase, and 0-Citibank, have suspended their political giving and will undertake reviews.

Funders can also set positive norms and galvanize their networks by making public statements and commitments supporting the long-term work that is ahead of us as a nation and in our local communities if we wish to build long-term resilience to political violence. This includes letting science lead the way in responding to COVID-19, listening to diverse and excluded voices, investing in targeted communities, repairing our social fabric, and more.

Read the full conversation about the power of funders' social capital with Kristen Cambell at Medium.