Get Off the Sidelines and Into the Game!

I once read a quote that said, “If you aren’t AT the table, then you might very well find yourself ON the table.”  Basically, if we nonprofits aren’t engaged in the legislative and public policy process, organizations who provide vital services through government contracts may find themselves on the chopping block as local, state and federal government leaders address current budgetary issues. By sitting on the sidelines, crossing our fingers and hoping for the best, nonprofits leave their organizations and most importantly the individuals and families they serve vulnerable.

I believe it’s a responsibility of the nonprofit sector to be the voice for those who need it and to share our knowledge and expertise with those making decisions that affect us and our neighbors. You are the experts in so many areas – human services, the arts, environmental issues, education and more. If we don’t get in the game, we will find ourselves ON the table. Make no mistake about it:  this will impact our organizations, but the real victims are people – moms, dads, kids, the elderly, those with disabilities . . .

As the article below “Nonprofits Bad for Business” illustrates, there is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation occurring across this nation about the nonprofit sector. It’s not only unfortunate, I think it’s downright scary. But desperate times sometimes leads folks to say things and act in ways that don’t always seem to make sense. 

What can we do? Get off the sidelines and get in the game! Join us at KY Nonprofit Day at the Capitol on February 9, set up an appointment to introduce yourself to your legislator and if you haven’t been, start paying more attention to the issues that impact our quality of life across this Commonwealth. The mission of your organization and those you serve are worth the investment! We’ll see you there!