By Henry Berman, ASF
It’s obvious now that I think about it: The legislative process is typically a marathon and rarely a sprint.
Whereas many suggest that tax or nonprofit reform won’t happen before the fall elections, our senators, representatives, and their staff are busy at work now, learning, exploring, and thinking. If we want to talk with them about our impact—if we want to make a difference legislatively—we need to let our government officials know about the good work we do.
And we need to let them know now.
Foundations on the Hill, the annual visiting of Capitol Hill by many in the foundation community, wrapped up this past week. The visitors—along with the unseasonably warm weather, I suspect—brought cherry blossoms and lots of conversation.
At ASF, we cohosted an evening reception with Philanthropy Northwest (PNW) that included perspectives from the Senate and Congress. Thank you again to our friends and colleagues at PNW; it’s always a pleasure to work jointly with you, as well as other organizations.
Joining us were Lily Batchelder, Senate Finance Committee Chief Tax Counsel, and Amber Roberts, nonprofit advisor to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ (D-MT) staff and part of the health and tax teams. Congressman Martin Heinrich (D-NM) also stopped by to offer thoughts from a member of Congress.
The key take-away for me was the need for all of us in the foundation community to do a better job telling our stories. Interface with our representatives shouldn’t be once a year or only when we’re concerned about pending legislation or about what might happen.
They want to understand how we make a difference, whether in their districts, their states, or across the country. When Congress adjourns for the summer and senators and representatives head home, it doesn’t mean we should stop caring about legislation. Rather, it’s a great opportunity to make the effort to meet them in person and tell your own story.
Not sure how to contact them? Find your representative and senators. Then visit ASF’s public policy page to learn more and keep abreast of developments.
Democrat, Republican, Independent, conservative, liberal, libertarian, or anything else, it is incumbent upon all of us to exercise our rights—and responsibility—to let people know all we accomplish.
Do you step up and tell your story? How have you notified community and government officials about the impact you have? If you haven’t, start now!
Don Hewitt, the producer who created 60 Minutes, built the show around four simple words: Tell me a story.
Your legislators—and all of us here at PhilanthroFiles—are ready to hear yours.
An ASF member since 2003, Henry Berman became ASF’s CEO in 2011, previously serving as acting CEO, board member, and committee member. Through his experience as a foundation co-trustee and a leader within ASF, he brings a firsthand understanding of the needs of ASF members to his role. He is committed to a dialogue with members and to facilitating rich learning opportunities and peer-to-peer exchanges.
