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 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.
President Trump has vowed to repeal the Johnson Amendment which prohibits nonprofits, including churches and religious institutions, from engaging in partisan politics.
Governor Rick Snyder delivered his 7th State of the State address this week, highlighting accomplishments, areas that still need work, and priorities for the coming year.
After a long and contentious campaign season, Tuesday's election results revealed that Donald J. Trump will be the 45th president of the United States. There were many who rejoiced and others who felt deeply wounded. No matter where you stand, we see that throughout the country, emotions are running high.
The Michigan Nonprofit Association understands the power of voter engagement. It is a fundamental right and responsibility of all citizens. As nonprofits, we have a role in encouraging all eligible citizens to make sure they are registered to vote before the October 11, 2016 deadline, in order to be able to vote in the November general election.
I’m sure by now that you’ve all heard about the new Department of Labor overtime rules.
By: John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press
The Michigan Community Service Commission and Michigan Nonprofit Association today announced the distribution of $7,000 in mini-grant funds to support 2016 Global Youth Service Day projects across the state.
Written by: Jayson Bussa, MiBiz
There appears to be some misunderstanding in the Michigan nonprofit community about electronic voting by members, shareholders and directors of Michigan nonprofit corporations. Some nonprofit corporations have been following the practice of sending out a resolution to the members, shareholders or directors and have them vote by checking a box and returning it electronically. That is not a valid member, shareholder or director vote under Michigan law.
Recent opinion pieces in The Chronicle of Philanthropy have decried the lack of capacity of foundation and nonprofit infrastructure groups to be strong policy advocates.
Protect against today's threats while promoting future growth
Michigan nonprofits prove their value time and time again but it goes without saying that any organization whether it is a Fortune 500 corporation, foundation or nonprofit, is only as solid as the talent it is able to attract and retain. The environment for Michigan nonprofits requires that they create appropriate compensation packages if they want to stay competitive in the pool of employers who are looking for quality talent.
Michigan nonprofits are on the front line of service and of need, so it is our obligation to identify issues that affect the people we serve and advocate for changes we would like to see on their behalf.
