Introduction: A Call to Conscience
In today’s political and cultural climate, fear is creeping into the hearts of the nonprofit sector—threatening to silence the very voices that should be speaking the loudest. At a time when communities across the country are experiencing rising division, fear, and uncertainty, nonprofit organizations are being called to play a critical role in protecting equity, dignity, and democratic values. As we witness policies and rhetoric that dehumanize, exclude, and marginalize, we must ask: What is our role as nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community members in the face of rising authoritarianism and cruelty?
A blog by Anne Olin, President & CEO of Charitable Ventures
A Heartbreaking Reality
In February, the world lost Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, an 11-year-old girl in Texas who died by suicide after being bullied by classmates who told her ICE was coming for her family.
Bear witness to that. A child’s light is gone.
We don’t know if we can draw a straight line from the clueless taunting of child bullies to her death. But we do know that the behavior of those children is directly linked to the dehumanizing and casual cruelty of parents and adults who should know better.
The Dangerous Rise of Fear in the Nonprofit Sector
Since February, I’ve overheard many fearful conversations from colleagues worried about losing funding, contracts, or support for simply standing by values of equity and inclusion.
This fear is not imagined. It’s intentional. Fear is a tool of fascism, and it is effective. Its message – put your head down, get quiet, behave, or we are coming for you, your funding, your livelihood, your family. It is meant to demoralize, to shame, and to silence dissent.
Moments like these are not new—but they are defining. History has shown that when rhetoric becomes dehumanizing and systems begin to exclude, the strength and response of civil society can determine the trajectory of entire communities. Nonprofits, community leaders, and advocates are often the first line of support—and the last line of defense—for those most impacted.
Friends—now is not the time for our sector to get quiet. It’s time to get loud in defense of decency and of our neighbors.
This Is Not About Politics. It’s About People.
Let’s be clear: fascism is not partisan. It is not about Republican vs. Democrat, although it can be allowed by both. It’s about the power of elites over people. It’s about control, suppression, and erasure hidden behind rationalizations of peace, law, and order. And history has shown us repeatedly how quickly that can spiral.
The role of nonprofits in a time of fascism and fear is to do what we always do. Stand up for the people, the poor, the children. Speak out against bad policy. Advocate for the health and well-being of ALL our communities. Educate people on their fundamental civil rights, so preciously built into our American democracy.
In times of fear, that duty doesn’t shrink—it expands.
What Nonprofits Must Do Now
In this moment of growing fear and disinformation, our role is more important than ever—and silence is not an option. Together, we must:
- Speak louder for children and families, especially immigrants and marginalized communities.
- Push back against misinformation and policy that strips away rights and dignity.
- Create brave spaces for dialogue and education.
- Train our teams and communities in Know Your Rights tools.
- Protect the mental health and well-being of our youth.
- Center equity in all decision-making—even when it’s hard.
Conclusion: Moving Forward. Together.
Every child in Orange County—and across the country—deserves to feel safe.
Every family deserves to feel seen and supported with resources and advocates to help them navigate this time of fear and volatility.
If Jocelynn Rojo Carranza had heard the voices of the nonprofits in her community, felt the arms of trusted messengers around her, telling her that her family had rights, that she was going to be okay…would she still be here today?
The role of nonprofits in this fraught time is to do what they always do.
Louder.
Together.
Get Involved Now: Upcoming Know Your Rights Workshop with Advancing Justice SoCal
To help equip community-based organizations with the tools and information they need, Charitable Ventures is hosting a Know Your Rights workshop on April 18 in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California. This training will provide critical updates and guidance for navigating the current immigration climate.
Key Topics Featured Include:
- How to protect your community, staff, and clients
- Clarify facts vs. Misinformation about policies under the current administration
- Access resources and stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Orange County
- Understand future expectations and potential changes
- Recommendations for actionable steps your C3 can take now
Mark your calendar!
April 18 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM at the Village on 17th St., Santa Ana
Stay tuned for details, more Know Your Rights updates, and other Charitable Ventures initiatives by signing up for our newsletter.