Nonprofits: The underdogs of public policy

By Lisa Sieren

Saturday was the first time I ever watched the Kentucky Derby. I have to say it was fascinating, with the big hats and horses and a surprising amount of to-do for such a short race. I was captivated by all the excitement when Calvin Borel on Mine That Bird came from behind to win. Though I knew nothing about the horses and bets prior to the race, I was thrilled to learn that the underdog had won.

I’ve always been a fan of underdogs, be it the tortoise, Rudy or the Mighty Ducks. Note: our friendly blog editor is a little (a lot) obsessed with Rocky Balboa. Maybe my preference for underdogs lends to work in nonprofit public policy, for nonprofits are very much the underdog in public policy work. Unfortunately, not everyone loves an underdog, especially when there a number of competing interests like there are in public policy.

Like any good underdog, nonprofits grit their teeth and continue working hard. But why do we do it? The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest lists ten reasons why nonprofits should lobby, and here are my few favorite reasons:

· "Policymakers need your expertise. Few institutions are closer to the real problems of people than community-based nonprofits." Nonprofits are at the heart of the community, reaching out a hand to those who need it most.
· "Lobbying helps find real solutions. People thinking creatively and asking their elected officials for support can generate innovative solutions that overcome the root cause of a problem." That’s what we are about at United Way—creating lasting and sustainable change by targeting the root of our issues.
· "Lobbying is a democratic tradition." Just like underdogs are often told they shouldn’t be in the race, nonprofits are told they can’t or shouldn’t be involved in public policy. Advocating for a cause is as old as our democracy, and nonprofits have just as much right to speak out as others.

Mine That Bird strategically moved through the pack to come out the winner. That is how nonprofits will succeed in policy work: being strategic in our advocacy and bringing our issues to the forefront. The underdog will eventually prevail. Who’s your favorite underdog?