Consider the mission statement of any nonprofit or foundation. Pursuit of that mission most likely requires systems change if the organization’s work is to have meaningful, lasting impact.
That’s why it’s critical, says John Larsen, trustee and administrator of the John Larsen Foundation, a member of the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF), that nonprofits and foundations alike ask themselves, “What are we doing to advocate for the causes we care about?”
Blogging or using Facebook to share data on homelessness more broadly? Working with a media partner to promote a clean water initiative? Convening several groups to discuss how to support your neighborhood schools? Conducting surveys to find out how the public is coping during during tough economic times? Funding research on how populations access health care? Sharing what you’ve learned with city council members or state legislators?
Any and all of these activities affect public opinion, the greatest influencer of public decision making and instigator of public policy development.
For many of us, though, the idea of taking on public policy work is intimidating. And, the very notion of thinking strategically about this work is daunting.
Our Summer issue of Giving Forum highlights several Minnesota foundations that have chosen distinct strategies to engage in public policy. They agree that the best way to get started is to stick your big toe in the water –- in other words, try something and see how it feels. Pick a tactic (we include a list of 18 examples in Giving Forum) that fits your organization’s capacity, culture and comfort level, see how it goes and then adapt.
The key is to stay focused and committed to long-term goals. Engaging in public policy — and especially achieving desired outcomes – is not quick work.
Take the First Steps
Karen Kelley-Ariwoola, vice president of community philanthropy at The Minneapolis Foundation, offers this advice to organizations that want to start strategically exploring public policy engagement:
- Start small. Find the policy implications in the issues that your organization cares about, educate yourself about those, and look for opportunities and roles that make sense for your organization.
- Understand legally what kind and how much public advocacy work your organization can do. Misinformation abounds; many foundations can do more than they think they can.
- Have a thorough discussion with your board, so they’re in agreement. Things happen fast, especially when you’re called to testify, meet with a legislator or give a presentation. You need to know where your board stands, so that you have the freedom and flexibility to act quickly.
- As part of the board discussion, talk about risk. Your organization’s intentions could be misconstrued, or those who don’t agree with your position could accuse you of being partisan or acting inappropriately, so it’s important to know what your organization is willing to tolerate.
- Engage with policymakers all along the political spectrum. You might be surprised where common ground can be found.
- Look for partners. In the public policy arena, the issues you’re trying to impact and the dollar amounts involved are huge. Multiple players are like-minded, so work with them to move parts of the agenda forward.
Start Making Waves Against Status Quo at Primary Time
Looking for a place to start this summer? The Minnesota primaries are right around the corner – Aug. 10. Consider mobilizing your communications outlets to inform stakeholders about what the primary is and why it’s important to participate. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ Minnesota Participation Project has useful nonpartisan primary awareness tools, including answers to FAQs and information explaining the primary process and how to register to vote.
One last piece of advice from Giving Forum: In her Voices article, Anita Foster, MCF public policy fellow, encourages organizations to stop being inhibited by the myth that public policy work equals lobbying. “Unless your foundation has as its mission ‘to advance the status quo,’” Foster writes, “You are most likely involved in some public policy activities – you just may not have labeled them as such.”
Being intentional and strategic will not only strengthen your activities. You will more effectively leverage your resources for greater impact, better public decision making and stronger policy.
Avoiding public policy doesn’t mean you’re staying neutral, Foster writes. She quotes Bernadine Joselyn, Blandin Foundation’s director of public policy and engagement:
“There is no such thing as neutrality in our work. We as foundations are values-based organizations; we have a mission statement, and this implies a stance. Owning that and recognizing that is very empowering for foundations.”
- Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate
