By definition (in the Mike Burns dictionary of nonprofit governance), nonprofits are essentially advocates and educators. This function is part of the DNA of nonprofits. And this function is embedded in and is an intrinsic part of a nonprofit board’s Theory of Change and core values.
A nonprofit board’s Theory of Change answers three questions :
- What do we fundamentally believe about who we want to serve, their characteristics and challenges and the “problems” we want to solve and/or society we want to change?
- What do we believe to be the optimal approach that can solve the problem we have identified? and,
- What will be the outcome when successful. Values are those expressions of fundamental beliefs or “truths” that inform the theory of change, goals and activities.
The Theory of Change serves as the foundation for a nonprofit board’s mission, purpose and goals. While they may not be specifically cited as a nonprofit board’s mission, purpose or goals I pose this does not inherently mean that advocacy and education aren’t intrinsically braided into all that a nonprofit does. And it is to this point that I offer a reminder that there are times in our communities and states and countries where education and advocacy by a nonprofit board must be elevated proactively and indeed, braided into every program activity.
I pose that that time is NOW. As most who read this piece will acknowledge, there are two very fundamental and country-changing propositions being posed by the two major parties presenting themselves for the public’s choosing. One party proposes a government that is popularly selected and focuses on meeting the needs of the lowest common denominator of those who would be or are citizens. The alternative party proposes essentially an autocracy that moves a large portion of what national government does to states, creates a leadership autocracy, and imposes non-universal values on the whole.
I believe that all nonprofit boards must place as a priority on education and advocacy specifically as it pertains to getting out the vote during this coming presidential election. What began as a typing drill by Charles E. Weller, is now a reality: “NOW is the time for all good “people” to come to the aid of their country.” And how does this translate for nonprofit boards? It is truly a possibility that as we celebrate the 248th year of the experiment we call a democracy having been born from a revolt of the members of the founding 13 colonies to revolt against an autocracy that that democracy may have a short-lived future without action by all.
I believe there to be several proactive steps that can be taken.
First, boards must discuss what role their nonprofit can play. While I recognize that many boards take the summer off for board meetings, Board Chairs can start the conversation about the role your nonprofit can and should (in my opinion) take in both helping your constituents understand the offers by the candidates and encourage voting, at least registering and then doing the deed. Perhaps a virtual call. Perhaps an email or two. Some steps to move the conversation forward so that by September, following the Conventions, the board and the staff will be ready to take action.
In September, execute a plan. I pose that a plan should license and require that staff and board members to reach out to all constituents to provide them with an understanding of what are the proposed platforms by candidates. The Political Parties can provide a summary as can citizen advocacy groups. I recommend, if one isn’t available, preparing a 1-1/2 page info graphic that highlights the pros and cons of each Party. But a nonprofit certainly has no obligation to be balanced in its advocacy and education. More importantly it must be true to its values.
Oh, and don’t worry about the issue of political advocacy and losing your tax exemption from your efforts. You would have to go pretty far to jeopardize your tax status in terms of budgets and efforts to reach the thresholds where there is a threat…unless of course the autocratic party wins. But you can use the following IRS information to guide you in terms of what role your nonprofit can play but for sure, nonprofit board members and volunteers are NOT bound by these rules:
Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.
Certain activities or expenditures may not be prohibited depending on the facts and circumstances. For example, certain voter education activities (including presenting public forums and publishing voter education guides) conducted in a non-partisan manner do not constitute prohibited political campaign activity. In addition, other activities intended to encourage people to participate in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, would not be prohibited political campaign activity if conducted in a non-partisan manner.
On the other hand, voter education or registration activities with evidence of bias that (a) would favor one candidate over another; (b) oppose a candidate in some manner; or (c) have the effect of favoring a candidate or group of candidates, will constitute prohibited participation or intervention.
Conclusion
I believe that if this country called the United States of Democracy chooses to not remain a democracy, the existence of many nonprofits will be threatened as the core values that define nonprofits will not coexist with the pending autocracy.