Showing the Love for What They Do
While it is not news that states have repeatedly cut funding for human service programs performed on behalf of governments by nonprofits, Massachusetts nonprofits, care givers, and the people they serve are taking a novel approach to changing how policymakers think about programs for individuals in need. They are showing the love.
Four years ago, Providers’ Council created The Caring Force -- a coalition of nonprofits, their employees, and the people they serve -- to change attitudes of policymakers and the public about the work and impact of nonprofit human service providers. The coalition’s mission is to “advance an agenda that creates an environment in Massachusetts that protects our most vulnerable neighbors and creates a stronger economy with the pay, recognition, and respect our workers deserve.” Attitudes have certainly changed as the Caring Force regularly brings thousands of supporters to the State House for rallies, generates strong support in the news media, and mobilizes communities through social media.
Most recently, the Caring Force launched a contest in which individuals can "Broadcast Your Love of Human Services" to highlight work in providing essential supports for one-in-ten Massachusetts residents. The campaign generated 13 short videos that show the world the passion, creativity, and the many faces of human services care givers. Submissions have been posted at The Caring Force Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, where the number of likes and retweets for each submission will be tallied as votes. Voting is open through Wednesday, October 7.
Kudos to The Caring Force for turning challenges into opportunities by putting their best faces forward – those of the people doing the hard work in communities across the Commonwealth.
