Activism has always been a fundamental aspect of Kerry Washington’s life. From a young age, she was passionately involved in various social causes. However, it was during the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election that she truly recognized the potential impact she could have as a public figure and advocate for change. The trending of her fictional character, Olivia Pope from the hit TV show “Scandal,” in response to Donald Trump’s victory, made her realize that people were looking to fictional characters for solutions, rather than taking action themselves. This realization ignited a desire within Washington to remind people that they have the power to be the fixers in their own communities.
Motivated by this realization, Washington began attending community events and engaging with local political organizers during the next midterm election. She connected with individuals like Tram Nguyen, co-executive director of New Virginia Majority, and Art Reyes III, executive director of We the People Michigan. Inspired by their dedication and efforts, Washington formed the Vision Into Power (VIP) Cohort. This organization provides resources and support to these groups and eight other grassroots organizations across the country, including One Hood, Florida Rising, and Arizona Coalition for Change.
In 2020, Washington took her activism to the next level by partnering with the Social Impact Fund, a fiscal sponsor of nonprofits, to establish the KW Foundation. The KW Foundation encompasses the VIP Cohort and the Influence Change initiative. The foundation not only provides resources and support to grassroots organizations, but it also focuses on educating artists about social issues and potential partnerships with organizations.
One of the reasons Washington chose to partner with the Social Impact Fund was to alleviate the administrative burdens that often come with managing philanthropic projects. By working with an experienced partner, Washington and her team can focus on effecting change and making a difference, rather than being tied up in the logistics of running a foundation. Washington acknowledges that many individuals are hesitant to engage in activism due to fear and uncertainty, but partnering with a reputable organization has allowed her to overcome those barriers and use her voice to create meaningful change.
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Throughout her career, Washington has made a conscious effort to maintain her voice and integrity in the face of fame. As her celebrity status has grown, she has worked diligently to ensure that she remains true to herself and her beliefs. Collaborating with the Social Impact Fund has provided her with the confidence to speak up and take action, knowing that she has a reputable organization supporting her philanthropic endeavors.
For Washington, using her voice is not only a way to advocate for causes she is passionate about, but it is also a means of empowering others to realize their own power. She firmly believes that people have forgotten just how influential they can be and the impact they can have on issues that matter. Through democracy-building and active citizenship, Washington believes that a wide range of urgent issues, such as climate change, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, education, healthcare, poverty, and racism, can be positively affected.
In conclusion, Kerry Washington’s activism has been an integral part of her life, and she is committed to using her platform to effect change. Through her foundation, the KW Foundation, and collaborations with organizations like the Social Impact Fund, Washington is able to support grassroots organizations and educate artists about social issues. By encouraging active citizenship and reminding people of their inherent power, she hopes to mobilize individuals to become the fixers in their own communities and make a difference in the world.
