Becoming Seen and Heard
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
