Hernandez Poverty Q5
Non-profit organizations should not shy away from their right to advocate for policies that are in line with accomplishing their mission. Many organizations that provide direct services are in the best position to advocate for their clients and hold government accountable to spending our public dollars most effectively. Yet many don’t know how or don’t choose to interact with law makers. They may be worried about alienating donors or skirting rules designed to keep non-profits from engaging in political activities. But we hope more non-profits see how public policy can have a huge impact on the populations they serve and the problems they are trying to solve.
Nonprofit organizations should take the lead to partner with business advocacy groups, such as BizFed to help increase awareness of the drivers of poverty and educate our community to take action. Through coalition building, nonprofits can advocate for groundbreaking legislation that will benefit disadvantaged communities and populations gain access to the critical health, housing and education services needed.
Furthermore, nonprofits can mobilize to advocate against cuts to anti-poverty programs that help thousands of families put food on the table and help obtain health insurance. Nonprofits can continue to build relationship with local, state, and federal elected officials, engage in the media, and help implement critical anti-poverty programs.
