Turning Tables on Gov’t - Sunshine on Data

January 22, 2008 at 11:43 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Seems like there is a lot of secret government information collected in Washington, the country and the world with no apologies or compunction to share.  At the same time, there are calls for more openness and transparency for charities and nonprofit organizations.  Obviously, there is a need to collect sensitive data that can contribute to true national security.  And, as part of good nonprofit governance, information should be shared with donors and the public.  However, governments should also be obligated to provide the public with information and data on government activities.  While some federal government agencies do a decent job of providing program information, until recently, it has been difficult to obtain and decipher data on government budgets and spending.  Fortunately, thanks to several nonprofit government watchdogs, Internet resources are now available to shed “sunshine” on all parts of the federal government.

What does all this information have to do with advocacy?  A lot, according to Alan Rosenblatt, founder of the Internet Advocacy Roundtable, which helps the advocacy community use digital technology more effectively.  “Advocacy depends on knowing what the government is doing,” Rosenblatt told his Roundtable colleagues recently.  Learning about the inner workings of government can assist groups in formulating public policy positions, proposing funding recommendations and keeping tabs on government rhetoric versus action.  It’s also helpful to know who is funding political campaigns and therefore, who might have the ear of elected officials.

Helpful web resources include the following:

www.governmentdocs.org – users can browse, search and review documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public disclosures.

www.maplight.org – provides a sophisticated analysis using three data sets: bill texts and legislative voting records; bill supporters and opponents and campaign contributions data to connect the dots between money and politics.

www.fedspending.org – includes a free, searchable database on federal government spending from FY 2000 through FY 2007.

www.louisdb.org – aims to provide comprehensive, cross-referenced documents from the executive and legislative branches.  The Library of Unified Information Services (LOUIS) website, launched by the Sunlight Foundation, has a fully searchable format of several sets of federal documents, including Congressional Record, Federal Register, presidential documents, GAO Reports, etc.

www.opensecrets.org – allows users to track contributions to political candidates by industry, major donors, 527 committees and other categories.

www.opencongress.org – provides information from a variety of official government sites, along with news and blog coverage.

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Resolve to Advance Advocacy

January 10, 2008 at 1:39 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

It’s not too late to make another resolution – to make your government relations and lobbying program more active in 2008.

While most of the media attention is focused on the upcoming presidential election, lots of other activity is also happening in the public policy arena.  Given the many serious issues facing the federal government, states and local communities, it is critical that nonprofit organizations monitor and get actively engaged in helping shape public policy.  Regardless of what issues are important to your mission – health, education, environment, jobs, immigration, etc – they will be looked at in many jurisdictions from budgetary and policy perspectives.  The voices of those who care about these issues and who are knowledgeable need to be heard.

Not sure how to move your advocacy forward?  Several national organizations sponsor excellent training seminars and provide guidance materials to make advocacy easy.  One group, the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) provides in-person training and “webinars.”  CLPI has a cadre of training fellows throughout the country available to work with your group or coalition.   Visit CLPI’s website www.clpi.org for more information.  In the spirit of disclosure, I am the current CLPI board chair and actively support CLPI’s mission and activities.  Other groups, such as the Alliance for Justice (www.afj.org) also provide helpful advocacy information, including the legalities of nonprofit lobbying at the federal and state levels. 

There’s no excuse -  make 2008 your organizations year to take action.

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New Year, New Opportunities for Leadership

January 3, 2008 at 5:17 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Happy 2008 to all readers.  With all the media coverage, polls and pundits, it’s hard to miss that the new year is off to a fast start with the first wave of presidential caucuses and primaries.  We’ll have 10 more months to hear about presidential candidates and the experience, views and agendas each person would bring to the job.  While late night talk show visits, clips on You Tube and celebrity endorsements may have their place, how do we know how each candidate would fare as a “leader”?  What qualifications and traits would help our new president rise above campaign funders, congressional leaders, political party bosses and other interests to truly lead our country?  Must a good leader have run a small state, a large city, a company or helped run the country with a staff of 20?  What of traits like inclusive decision-making, business acumen and not being afraid to take an unpopular stance?  And, what of skills like careful listening, diplomacy and compromise?  Should we also consider the “kitchen cabinets” of presidential candidates – those likely to be named to key White House positions?  How can we get a more complete picture of the candidates beyond 30 second ads, headline news and staged debates?

As you read news clips and view footage from other parts of the world, it is apparent that the United States is not alone in its quest for leadership.  Witness the killing of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan and post-election rioting in Kenya.  Those with the power and votes are not always the true leaders.

And, what about the continuing war and rebuilding efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan? Will it be possible for indigenous leaders to emerge who can gain the trust of differing tribes and factions?     

Even in the newness of the year, events are unfolding that will influence in-country rulers and worldwide relations.   To what we were often told as children – “winning isn’t everything,” I’ll now add that “leadership is”.  Let us hope that 2008 brings wise leadership committed to meeting local needs and promoting world-wide harmony.

Diane

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In the Spirit of the Season

December 20, 2007 at 10:13 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Here we are on December 20 and for those who celebrate Christmas, time is running out.  As usual, like many folks, I get caught up in ensuring that everyone on my gift list is taken care of, the house is decorated and this year, cookies got baked.  My elderly father looks forward to having his “kids” gather together, so we’ll be packing the car and dog and trekking to Pittsburgh.  Don’t get me wrong, though hectic, I enjoy the holidays.  It’s a great way to connect with family, reminisce about long past times and enjoy good food and wine.

But, every once in a while, a heart warming story breaks through my personal “to do” list and gives me pause.  Today, a story making the rounds on the web about a coincidental mother and son reunion did just that.  In Michigan, a 45-year old woman and a 22-year old man, co-workers in the same Lowe’s store, recently found out that they were mother and son.  The woman had given up her son for adoption shortly after his birth and the son was adopted by a caring family.   A few years ago, the son began searching for his birth mother with the support of his adoptive parents.   Initially thwarted in his efforts because of a misspelled name, the son eventually learned where his birth mother lived and worked.  As the mother said at their reunion, “It’s a perfect time of year.  It’s the best Christmas present ever.”

Wishing all readers happy surprises this holiday season.

Diane

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No Way to Fund a Country

December 17, 2007 at 2:55 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Here we are again, edging toward the end of 2007 and the Congress and the President still haven’t finalized most federal agency budgets.  In fact, they’ve only completed one – defense dept.  The government is limping along on “continuing resolutions” aimed at keeping programs going and avoiding government shut down.  What’s the problem?  Why does this keep happening?

The challenges in forging agreements between Congress and the White House are not new.  Many individual appropriations bills have not been enacted over the course of decades.  From my perspective, what makes the problem so difficult this year is the “my way or the highway” approach that the White House has taken.  No matter that the country spoke last year and elected Democrats to majorities in the House and Senate and no matter that President Bush is a lame duck entering his last year of office.  He continues to push his ideological agenda of increasing war spending and cutting domestic programs.  Democrats, on the other hand, are pressing for programs they believe are important.  Yet, it is they who are being forced to back down and give in.  Where are the checks and balances in that?

Until we have a meeting of minds, or at least serious negotiations and compromise, many critical programs will continue in uncertainty.  People without heat need help, farmers need drought assistance, more people need housing and food and veterans need ongoing medical services.  This is what the Congress and White House can’t agree on.  Doesn’t make sense that the President won’t support necessary funding for these programs.

In this season of hope and charity, let us encourage our elected officials to think beyond political rhetoric and do what’s right and necessary for the health and well-being of all our citizens.  

Diane

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Lobbying for the Long Haul

December 12, 2007 at 3:11 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

When it comes to long-term lobbying, not too many issues equal tobacco control.  There have been many successes in curtailing cigarette marketing to children, restricting smoking in public places and increasing funding for prevention and cessation.  However, these victories were achieved with much blood, sweat and patience, coupled with overcoming strenuous tobacco industry opposition.  It seems more needs to be done.

The latest focus on tobacco is the ninth annual report charting each state’s progress in using proceeds from the 1998 state tobacco settlement for tobacco prevention and cessation.  Produced jointly by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the good news this year is that the states have increased funding by 20 percent, the highest level in 6 years.  This increase still means that less than 3 percent of the $24.9 billion the states will collect this year will go for tobacco prevention.   Just 6.4 percent of this tobacco money would fund prevention programs in every state at minimum standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Today, only 3 states meet that basic level.

Things haven’t changed much over the nine years the program has been in existence.  I was there in the early days when states were licking their chops to get their hands on this money that comes from tobacco companies as reimbursement for health care costs related to tobacco use.  This money has paid for new roads, budget deficits and many other non-health projects. 

And, what is the impact on smoking?  Progress in reducing smoking among youth and adults has stalled and tobacco marketing has nearly doubled since the 1988 settlement.  And, what does this mean for public interest lobbyists?  More work ahead during year 10.  Hang in there.

For the full report go to www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements

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One Man’s Pork … Another’s Lifesaver

December 10, 2007 at 2:51 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Today’s Washington Post featured a front page article highlighting the funding earmarks that local US Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) championed.  Of course Mr. Hoyer defends his practice of encouraging his colleagues to include funding for programs he deems important.  Naturally, many of these programs are in his home district.  Anybody shocked?!  This is a practice that has been going on for decades, by both political parties and by most members of Congress.  We, the voters, want our towns, communities and favorite programs to benefit from federal largess and we reward legislators who “bring home the bacon.”  We thank them for their efforts by re-electing them to gain seniority to bring home even more. 

 

And, why is this all so bad?  When federal funding seems to be a pay-off for campaign support and when particular projects seem to have little merit, like the bridge to nowhere in Alaska, then funding watchdogs and citizens get concerned.  And, rightly so.  However, there is a flip side to this that gets little ink.  Many important health, education and social service programs rely on assistance from members of Congress to ensure that needed services get funded.  Most charities and nonprofits can’t afford high priced lobbying help and are forbidden to give campaign contributions.  So, educating Congress and identifying “champions” who support your cause are important.

 

Both the House and Senate are ruled by committees, each focused on certain issues or activities.  Members vie to serve on committees that either deal with issues vital to their districts or wield lots of power (appropriations).  To understand the importance of earmarks is to understand the nature of Congress at work.  Generally, members of committees have the “most say” in how programs under their jurisdiction get shaped, but it up to the House and Senate appropriations committees to set the actual funding amounts.  So, there are often lots of “negotiations” back and forth to fund worthwhile programs and to help members’ local communities.

 

And, let’s not forget the Administration’s role in all of this.  Each president sets his funding priorities.  Certain issues and activities get top billing in the annual budget that gets sent to Congress.  It is the job of the members in Congress belonging to the president’s party to work to get funding.  What happens to good, successful programs that might not happen to be “in” during any particular administration?  Usually someone in Congress comes to the rescue with an “earmark.”  For many community programs serving local needs consistent funding is crucial regardless of who is in office.  Where would we be without Headstart, disease prevention and energy conservation programs?  Members of Congress must ensure that the needs of our country in all vital areas are met.  Those looking out for particular programs, make it their business to “earmark” funding. 

 

Funding the federal government via earmarks is not ideal.  The squeaky wheel still gets heard and funded.  However, with all the critical and timely issues that Congress needs to grapple with, it is impossible to expect that each and every federal program gets vetted and voted on by all 535 US legislators.  Prohibiting earmarks will not solve this problem.  But, it may prevent worthwhile efforts, emerging science and new opportunities from getting recognized and funded.

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A Ripe Lobbying Issue

December 4, 2007 at 9:54 am · Filed under Uncategorized

A headline in a Bloomberg news article - “U.S. Emergency Rooms Aren’t Prepared for Children” - caught my attention and got my advocate brain in gear.  I hate to criticize emergency rooms since most do their best to provide quick and competent care.  But, they should have all the necessary equipment to treat ALL patients.  The article highlights a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicating that only 6 percent of 1,489 hospitals surveyed had the medicine and equipment needed to appropriately treat children, including child-sized masks to open airways and smaller forceps.  The cost of the 118 items recommended by the Academy totaled about $1,000.

 

Many times actions to spark change spring from news headlines and personal stories of injustice.  Attention to a need grabs peoples’ attention and mobilizes them to seek solutions.  In this case, I’m hoping public outrage at this lack of preparedness will provide an easy resolution – hospitals will act to ensure they are able to address pediatric emergencies.  If this happens, no government action will be needed.  The power of citizen involvement and community action doesn’t always need to be focused on getting governments to do something.  Urging businesses and service providers to do better can also improve our health and communities.

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Becoming Seen and Heard

November 29, 2007 at 10:57 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Colleagues at OMB Watch, Tufts University and the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) published a new book - Seen but not Heard that presents findings from a variety of data — surveys, focus groups and interviews on the state of nonprofit advocacy.  While it is very commendable that such a book was written, it is distressing to read of the many barriers to lobbying that still exist.  As someone who has devoted most of her professional career to nonprofit advocacy and lobbying, I think it should be front and center on the agendas and budgets of charities and other nonprofits.

The good news is that the nonprofit leaders who particpated in the focus groups and interviews indicated that public policy participation is essential to carrying out their mission.  Yet when matched up against fundraising and direct services, these executives thought spending time on public policy activities detracted from the other work. Hmm…

And then there’s the problem with the “L” word - lobbying.  “Advocacy,” “public policy” and “educating policymakers” all sound so much more genteel and acceptable to the executives consulted.  Nevermind that charities CAN LOBBY and that it means something very specific - proactively petitioning elected officials for changes in laws or new laws.  If charities and nonprofits hadn’t lobbied, it is highly unlikely that the US Congress would have passed legislation calling for cleaner air and water, HIV AIDS prevention, prohibiting tobacco marketing to kids,  and on and on.  Nonprofits have been at the forefront of some of the most important health, education, civil rights, environment and other monumental public policy issues.  These voices, passion and persuasion were critical and necessary.

While some of the blame for low levels of advocacy involvement by  nonprofits rests with the executives and their boards, governments, foundations, lawyers and others also create barriers to significant levels of lobbying.  Widespread uncertainty about nonprofit lobbying laws, rigid grantmaking and concerns about letting citizens express their views have negative impacts on the desire and ability of many nonprofits to engage in public policy work.

To address these barriers, more education and training about lobbying rules is needed for nonprofit staff, boards and volunteers.  Governments and foundations need to recognize that civic engagement means more than voting every four years.   And, nonprofits need to embrace advocacy and lobbying as core organization functions with appropriate funding and staff.

If you’d like to read more about this topic, Seen but not Heard may be purchased for $15.00 through the Aspen Institute - www.aspen.org.

Let’s all become more visible.

Diane

 

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Hello world!

October 22, 2007 at 11:59 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Welcome to the Advance Advocacy Blog. Through this new blog I hope to post current news and stories related to nonprofit organization advocacy and lobbying. I will also add my thoughts and invite others to comment.  My goal is to make this blog an interactive supportive environment for positive policy change.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expressly allows 501(c) charities and other nonprofit organizations to lobby for legislative and public policy changes.  However, too few organizations lobby.  I think this is a shame and would like to do my part to encourage more organizations to take civic engagement as seriously as they do other obligations like fundraising and service delivery.

Stay tuned for more …

 

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