Thankful, Though It’s Not Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! OK – this isn’t an April Fool’s Day joke and of course, it’s not Thanksgiving – but I’m still thankful!
I won’t get into everything I’m thankful for (and for that, you can be thankful), but I do want to specifically share my gratitude for the unanimous passage of HCR 89 and HB 440 by the Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Beshear’s signing of both into law. I’m thankful for the volunteers who helped with these efforts – work groups, committee members and board members. I’m thankful for the government officials and legislators who advocated for, sponsored and voted for these two legislative efforts. I’m thankful for you – those of you who called, tweeted, emailed, visited legislators and those of you who sent us words of encouragement, words of congratulations and positive vibes into the universe as we worked on the issues.
In addition to having a heart full of gratitude, we are still in awe that KNN was able to accomplish so much in such a short time – especially since this was our first year advocating on your behalf. I am also absolutely certain that KNN’s decision to transition to an independent 501 c 3 organization was exactly the right thing to do and at just the right time – not only for KNN, but also for our sector. Without making that transition, KNN would not have been able to lobby on these issues that impact your nonprofit and our entire sector.
I hope you will join me in my gratitude and take a moment in the next week or so to thank your legislators for their support of our nonprofit sector. Again, both HCR 89 and HB 440 were unanimously approved by both the House and Senate, though some legislators did not vote. You can see a full list of those voting on HCR 89 here and on HB 440 here, and get legislator contact information here. Legislators are home now – so calling them while in your district or email will likely work best. You can also thank Governor Beshear and Secretary Grimes for their support. Why is this important? Well, in addition to appreciating their support of Kentucky’s nonprofits, there is still work to do and we’ve advised you before – build relationships NOW so that we don’t have to ask strangers for favors later. Connecting with your legislators now about HCR 89 and HB 440 is always a WONDERFUL way to open the door to telling them more about your organization and the work your nonprofit is doing in their district.
Finally, now that the session has ended you may be wondering – what’s next? KNN is working on the details, but we know our next steps will involve identifying the names of individuals from KNN members who would to be submitted to the Governor for consideration for service on the nonprofit and government task force. We also know there will be numerous opportunities in person, in print and via webinar to learn more about how your nonprofit can take advantage of laws modernized with HB 440.
KNN is headed your way soon! Stay tuned for a KNN road trip across Kentucky in the next several months – we look forward to seeing you and thanking you in person!
Joining Governor Beshear are (from left to right): Steve Jennings, KNN board member; Bart Baldwin, KNN public policy committee member; Sarah Brandenburg, KNN staff; Noel Caldwell, Executive Director of Kentucky Business One Stop Portal, Secretary of State; Danielle Clore, Executive Director, KNN; Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Representative Linda Belcher (D– Shepherdsville); and House Speaker Pro Tem Jody Richards (D–Bowling Green).
Joining Governor Beshear are (from left to right) Lt. Governor Crit Luallen; Gretchen Hunt, KNN member, Ky
Association of Sexual Assault Programs; Russell Harper, KNN board member; Sarah Brandenburg, KNN staff;
Bart Baldwin, KNN public policy committee; Eileen O’Brien, KNN board member; Rep. Wuchner; and Danielle
Clore, KNN executive director. (Photo: Kentucky Nonprofits Network/Kentucky House Republican Caucus)
