This episode of "Gathering Ground" brings together two sector-shifting leaders: Bina Patel, CEO of Saathi Impact Consulting, and Vu Le, writer of the blog Nonprofit AF. With honesty and clarity, they join Mary to examine how the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors perpetuate inequality, reward compliance, and resist transformation.

Together, they explore how movements are being co-opted, how "toxic intellectualizing" replaces real action, and why we must stop maintaining systems we claim to be dismantling.

Episode Highlights:
- Bina Patel on strategic compliance and the quiet parts that keep systems unjust
- Vu Le on the myth of philanthropy and why nonprofits must get political
- A call to stop obeying tyranny in advance and begin organizing for collective liberation

Links and Resources:
- Saathi Impact Consulting – https://saathiimpact.com
- Nonprofit AF Blog – https://nonprofitaf.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary sits down with three powerhouse advocates — Dr. Latonya Penny, Cathy Renna, and Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy — for a timely conversation about what LGBTQ+ rights look like across the U.S.

From legislative battles to grassroots resistance, the episode traces the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope fueling this moment. Guests reflect on the real-life impact of policy wins and setbacks, the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities in the South, and the growing need for coalitions that center intersectionality, joy, and long-term strategy.

Episode Highlights:
- Dr. Penny on how Southern LGBTQ+ leaders are resisting burnout and building power despite political pressure
- Illinois State Representative Cassidy on expanding coalitions beyond shared identity or ideology, and why it works
- Cathy Renna on executive orders, misinformation, and why local education and media matter more than ever

Links and Resources
- Laughing Gull Foundation – www.laughinggull.org
- National LGBTQ Task Force – www.thetaskforce.org
- Rep. Kelly Cassidy – www.repcassidy.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten sits down with four brilliant artists and activists to explore the intersection of art and social change. Amanda Williams, Tonika Lewis Johnson, Lisa Yun Lee, and Shannon Downey share how their personal histories, creative practices, and collaborations fuel powerful movements for justice, community, and joy.

Together, they reflect on how art can illuminate systemic inequities, bring people together across differences, and create the conditions for new futures.

Episode Highlights:
• Amanda Williams and Tonika Lewis Johnson on their collaborative projects and the politics of place
• Shannon Downey on craft as community organizing and creative resistance
• Lisa Yun Lee on the National Public Housing Museum as a civic anchor

Links and Resources:
Tonika Johnson – https://www.tonijphotography.com
National Public Housing Museum – https://www.nphm.org
Amanda Williams – https://awstudioart.com/home.html
Shannon Downey – https://www.badasscrossstitch.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to "Gathering Ground" and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.