Allison Erdneka Budschalow (she/her)

I am a people person with decades of experience in bringing folks together to build toward common goals. I have been doing this in the form of resource generation (or fundraising) for many years as lead development staff for community-based organizations, because I love to help groups increase their individual and collective power through resourcing their work with an emphasis on grassroots fundraising. My hope for Securing the Roots is to build people-power through a resource generation, mobilization and reclamation framework.

In my work with Dragonfly, I love facilitating groups of all sizes through an exploration of who they are and what they are invested in, opening up ways for them to stretch and find growth. With knowledge of organizational development, an eye toward strategy, and expertise in virtual engagement, I navigate both in-person and virtual spaces skillfully, bringing folks together even when we are physically apart.

Prior to my resource generation and mobilization work, I served on staff at the American Friends Service Committee, supporting social movements around the U.S. and globally. I had the privilege of being a lead organizer of the first U.S. Social Forum, held in Atlanta in 2007—a highlight of my life. I have served on the boards of directors for several organizations, including a sister organization of Securing the Roots, WRAP (Wealth Reclamation Academy of Practitioners).

As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I received my BA in Sociology/Anthropology from Earlham College and my MA in Sustainable Businesses and Communities from Goddard College. Born and raised in Philly and determined to raise my kids here, too, I am a leftist and a member of the Kalmyk Mongol diaspora. I am always excited to investigate the intersections of food, gentrification, race, class, and story-telling in my spare time.