What Can You Do Right Now? Call Maine's Delegation
The question on the minds of many folks in our network, is "what can I do right now."
We have an answer! Ensure Maine's Congressional delegation understands how your work is helping Maine people, strengthening our state's economy, and improving our quality of life.
Why Bother?
You're the best messenger for your mission! As nonprofit staff (and board members!), you see first-hand the impact your organization is having every day. Members of Congress and staffers are people who also want to solve problems and strengthen our state. Your phone call can make a significant difference in helping them understand the real-life, on-the-ground impacts of the decisions they make.
What do I say?
Ask them to protect nonprofits doing irreplaceable work in the district and state in upcoming spending and tax debates.
- Tell them you are a constituent. Ask to speak to the Tax Staffer (if calling about a different issue, you can ask which staff member covers that area).
- Use this outline:
- Explain what your organization does for constituents in the district and state.
- Share that you are professionals and volunteers working and serving the people in your district and state.
- Use 1-2 memorable numbers.
- Invite them for an on-site visit.
- Ask: “Can we have the representative/ senator’s support in upcoming tax and spending debates that impact us and his/her/their constituents?”
- Keep the call to less than 5 minutes.
What if I get push back?
Acknowledge them and share:
- “If our capacities get cut due to funding or tax changes, we will be forced to cut back or eliminate services. As a result, many of your constituents will lose services they are counting on.”
- “If support for nonprofits like ours goes away, the need for them still remains and will not be fulfilled.”
- “In upcoming spending and tax debates, it’s important that nonprofits services, like those in Maine, are not eliminated or cut.”
Thank the staffer for their time, invite them to your facility, and ask for their contact information to keep them up to date on what you do. Promise not to spam them!
Framing considerations
Remember:
- Maine nonprofits collectively employ 1 in 6 works, contribute $16 billion to the economy, and mobilize hundreds of thousands of volunteers to better their communities. (Find more in our Adding Up Impact report - feel free to share a copy with your elected officials!)
- Nonprofits form the cornerstone of civil society.
- Nonprofits do what government can’t or won’t do.
- Nonprofits are woven into the fabric of our communities and serve their constituents every day.
- If Congress weakens nonprofits, the challenges nonprofits address will remain and, in many cases, worsen.