Each week we’ll do our best to bring you a collection of links that highlight political news that impact nonprofits, helpful links for nonprofit professionals, and something positive to end your week with.
Political News
This week much of the political news cycle was absorbed with the dramatic Health Care debate in the Senate and the White House Communications Director choice language about his new colleagues.
These are a few news items that you may have missed that affect nonprofit organizations and the general population:
- Zahra Hirji and Ellie Hall from BuzzFeed shared that Michael Dourson, the Trump Administration’s choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s work on chemical safety and pollution prevention, has some potential conflicts of interest. While the article focuses some attention on Dourson’s biblical writings, his ties to the chemical industry he would be regulating is worrisome for environmental organizations.
“We are deeply concerned over the nomination of Michael Dourson to head the toxics office at EPA,” Richard Denison, lead senior scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, wrote in a recent blog post. “Dr. Dourson has extensive, longstanding ties to the chemical industry (as well as earlier ties to the tobacco industry). He also has a history of failing to appropriately address his conflicts of interest.”
- Betsy Woodruff of the Daily Beast reported that Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that if cities don’t let ICE agents into their jails, they won’t get federal money. This announcement fortifies ongoing fears for organizations and individuals that work with immigrants populations. It’s also challenging for nonprofits and agencies that work on issues related to public safety, as cities are seeing declines in calls related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Alan Feuer from the New York Times wrote about the Justice Department’s decision to file court papers arguing that a federal civil rights law does not protect employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- Finally, on a statewide level, Ruth McCambridge from NPQ shared that “Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy told the press that he doubted that a state budget would be passed before September or October. Additionally, hope is fading that a bridge budget will pass allowing state-funded nonprofits to run programs deemed “nonessential;” these include day programs for people with developmental disabilities.”
Helpful Nonprofit Links
- Are you new to fundraising? Tim Sandoval, Nidhi Singh, and Eden Stiffman from Chronicle of Philanthropy recorded a video in which veteran major-gift fundraisers share tips to new fundraising professionals.
- Mary Cahalane shared why good might be better than perfect. There are some very helpful reminders and thoughts here!
- The folks at M+R often write some brilliant posts. Last week’s blog had 10 Rules for a Brilliant Brainstorm and included some sage advice from Tiny Fey.
- And for the technology wizards, this Medium post from Zoltan Kollin from earlier this month highlights dropdown alternatives for better mobile forms.
Something Positive
- This tweet from an educator shows a student who got annoyed with his class and started meditating. Seems like a good option for anyone who may be frustrated with their co-workers.
Justin (he, him) is a Principal and Co-Founder of Social Change Consulting. He has over fifteen years of nonprofit experience, with expertise in online fundraising, digital communications, and data management. Justin helps organizations connect their communication strategy to their income development needs. When he’s not on the clock, Justin is exploring Berlin, running, listening to too many podcasts, and drinking too much coffee.