As I am writing this, I am in Washington, D.C. and have just completed a day on the Hill visiting Representative Griffith’s, Senator Warner’s, and Senator Kaine’s offices to share with them what is happening here in Martinsville and Henry County. Every year, foundations come from around the country to tell stories about how the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors are partnering on the ground to serve our local communities and residents.
The Hill was busy with people from all different sectors crowding the office hallways to share their stories and advocate on issues they care about. It was fun and comforting to see that the democratic process is still working and that the offices are still listening.
This year, the conversations were mostly centered on proposed tax changes (as the 2017 tax provisions expire this year) and the budget. There are several proposed tax changes that could directly affect nonprofits by adding new taxes to nonprofit revenue. With anticipated federal funding cuts, nonprofits stand to lose on both fronts, and that only means that our local communities could lose needed services.
It is vital that our elected officials hear from you. They need to know your work and how you improve the lives of their constituents. They need to know your impact, and they need to understand how you are funded. I encourage you to connect with or visit their local offices or head to D.C. I promise you will be welcomed and listened to. Engaging with representatives ensures your nonprofit’s mission thrives and our community’s needs are heard. Sharing local stories makes policies personal and can drive meaningful change.
We need to make sure our representatives understand the work of nonprofits and how they are integral to their districts and how decreased revenue will reduce our ability to meet the needs of the community.
Each of their offices encouraged us to stay connected and continue to send stories about how federal changes are impacting local people.
Nonprofits work tirelessly to serve communities, but today’s unpredictable landscape makes it crucial to stay engaged with federal elected representatives. Policies impact funding, regulations, and services—your voice ensures that lawmakers understand these needs.
Why It Matters
- Influence Policy & Funding: Federal decisions affect grants and resources vital to your mission.
- Build Long-Term Relationships: Regular engagement fosters legislative support for your work.
- Advocacy Strengthens Impact: Collective action amplifies your voice on critical issues.
- Local Stories Make a Difference: Personal stories from your community highlight the real impact of policies, making issues tangible for lawmakers.
How to Stay Engaged
- Meet with Representatives: Schedule in-person or virtual discussions.
- Send Updates: Keep them informed about your nonprofit’s work.
- Share Community Stories: Provide real-life examples of how policies affect those you serve.
- Join Advocacy Efforts: Participate in coalitions to strengthen your voice.
- Invite Officials to Events: Seeing your impact firsthand encourages support.
The Bottom Line
Without a seat at the table, decisions may be made without your input.
