Nonprofit Board Members Are Educators and Advocates

I firmly believe that nonprofit board members are advocates and educators. This function is part of nonprofits' DNA and should be embedded into a nonprofit board’s Theory of Change and core values.  

A board’s Theory of Change answers three questions: 

1. What do we believe about the traits and challenges of who we want to serve, the problems we aim to solve or the society we want to change?
2. What is the optimal approach that can solve the problem we have identified? 
3. What will be the outcome when successful? Values are fundamental beliefs that guide our Theory of Change, goals and activities.

The Theory of Change is the foundation for a nonprofit board’s mission, purpose and goals. While not always explicitly stated, advocacy and education are integral to nonprofit board decision-making. 

Proactive Steps Nonprofit Board Members Can Take

All nonprofit boards must prioritize education and advocacy, specifically regarding 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.” But how does this translate for nonprofit boards? 

I believe there are several proactive steps that can be taken.

Discuss Next Steps

While many boards take the summer off, board chairs can still initiate discussions on how to help constituents understand candidates’ offers and encourage voting. Consider a virtual call or sending a few emails.

Execute a Plan by September

I suggest including staff and board members in reaching out to constituents to explain candidates’ platforms. Political parties and advocacy groups can provide summaries. If not available, prepare a one- to two-page infographic highlighting the pros and cons of each party. A nonprofit doesn’t need to be balanced but must stay true to its values.

Follow IRS Guidelines

Use the following IRS information to guide your nonprofit’s role, but remember, 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.

Education and Advocacy Is in Your Nonprofit DNA

Boards should recognize that education and advocacy are core to a nonprofit’s mission. It’s crucial to actively support candidates and laws that benefit those you care about. This effort should be integrated into the daily work of your staff and volunteers.

The preceding post was provided by an individual unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of NonProfit PRO.