Turning a Day at the Capitol Into a Statewide Event
Recently, the Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) did what many state associations of nonprofits and other groups do: convened an annual Nonprofit Day at the Capitol. The inspiring event involved nonprofits coming together in the Hall of Flags and showcasing the work and worth of Maine's diverse nonprofit community. Such person-to-person connections between nonprofit professionals and lawmakers is a proven, effective way to build relationships, understanding, and appreciation. But what of the thousands of nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers, and beneficiaries who couldn’t travel to the distant state capitol on a cold February day? MANP had a plan for that.
Indeed, the state association of nonprofits encouraged all people associated with the work of charitable nonprofits in the state to participate through any of four actions “to celebrate and proactively raise awareness for how #NonprofitsWorkforME.”
Option #1: Show Some Profile Pride
Nonprofits throughout the state were encouraged to share data from MANP’s Adding Up Impact report, such as highlights like Maine nonprofits contribute approximately $12 billion dollars per year to the economy through wages paid, retail and wholesale purchases, and professional services. Other data points included $4.7 billion annually in wages, which translates to approximately $271 million in personal income tax revenue, and employment of one in six Maine workers.
Option #2: Introduce Yourself
Another option was to reach out to legislators to make a virtual introduction. MANP even provided sample scripts and an instructive video to help break the ice in calls or emails.
Option #3: Share a Fun Fact
Focusing on social media, MANP invited nonprofits to share one of its infographics via social media and tag it #NonprofitsWorkForME. MANP provided several ready-to-tweet images on its Nonprofit Day webpage.
Option #4: Celebrate with Fellow Nonprofit Champions!
Finally, people were invited to drop by the post-Nonprofit Day debrief and happy hour at a local establishment. Because, after all, nonprofits are all about relationships, personal engagement, and community.
