Originally published on Detroit Metro Times on March 4, 2020.
Michigan Nonprofit Association Blog
MNA’s Blog is designed to give you, the nonprofit community, an informal look into the issues currently facing Michigan’s nonprofit sector and an opportunity to share tools, resources and best practices. It’s also a way for us to get to know each other a little bit better through candid discussions of the topics, challenges and opportunities that our sector deals with on a regular basis. Check back daily and participate in the discussions by posting a comment or emailing our bloggers. We love hearing from you!
By Bill Gesaman, MNA Strategic Growth Officer
By Dr. Juan Olivarez, Distinguished Scholar in Residence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy
This article was originally produced as part of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy’s “11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2019” report. To view the full report, please visit JohnsonCenter.org/Trends.
By Sarah-Grace Battles, MNA Communications Manager
When nonprofit professionals think of the “typical” member of AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), they often think of young adults who are just out of college and eager to improve their communities. This thinking can exclude those who have invested in our communities throughout their lives, leaving nontraditional AmeriCorps members overlooked and their talent, expertise and community connections untapped. To highlight the positive impact these people can have on a community, Rita Hockemeyer wrote the following blog illustrating her life of service. Rita, who was a teacher for 25 years, is now a first-year member with the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s Pathways to Employment AmeriCorps VISTA Program. Rita’s life of service truly exemplifies a passion for community and inspires each of us to improve our own corner of the world.
— Zekiye Salman, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
By Sarah-Grace Battles, MNA Communications Manager
By Nellie Tsai, MNA Community and Civic Engagement Director
By Sarah-Grace Battles, MNA Communications Manager
Each time I turn on the news or listen to the radio these days it has literally stopped me in my tracks. Whether it is the violent and hate-filled actions in Charlottesville, the immigration policies, including the Dreamers Act, the heated discussions on race and patriotism in sports, or the way we handle the needs of people who have been caught in national disasters, it all feels painful and personal. But we know it is happening to all of us. It has been so difficult that I have been challenged as the President and CEO of MNA to make a significant statement on the need for civility, fairness, equity and humanity.
The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) joins with other leaders of our charitable nonprofit sector in opposing efforts through legislation or Executive Order to eliminate or weaken the Johnson Amendment that prohibits 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from endorsing, opposing or contributing to political candidates and engaging in partisan campaign activities. 501(c)(3) organizations should remain above the political fray, advocating and informing but not engaging in political activity.
