Today is November 11, Veterans Day, a time to remember and be grateful for our veterans’ service. In case you missed it, there was a presidential election on Tuesday. We have compiled five nonprofit-related articles that explore the how the nonprofit sector is important in these times.
1) Wondering how nonprofits fit into this democracy of ours? The Nonprofit Blogger has a thoughtful recollection about the election and the role the nonprofit sector can play in our democracy. As he writes, quoting Barbara Bucholtz, “the nonprofit sector teaches the skills of self-government…it inculcates the habits of tolerance and civility, [and] it mediates the space between the individual…the public/government sector, and the private sector.” Find out how the nonprofit sector helps act against excess power in either sphere:
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/nonprofit/2016/11/the-day-after.html
2) In Slate, Eric Holthaus writes that for those concerned about climate change, there were some positive developments down-ballot: Florida rejected a measure that would have hurt the solar industry. Holthaus also points to actions individuals can take to help slow climate change: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2016/11/all_is_not_lost_on_climate_change.html
3) Nonprofit Quarterly has compiled four general ideas for what nonprofits can do in the wake of the election results. On the list: Make sure your board understands the importance of advocacy even outside the particular emphasis of a nonprofit’s mission; look for ways to create active collaborations across identity groups and causes; and engage more with your constituents. Check out the full list:
https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2016/11/09/donald-trump-four-things-nonprofits-must-consider-on-the-day-after-election/
4) The American Civil Liberties Union has concerns about the constitutionality of several of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign proposals, among them the mass deportation force and the proposed ban on Muslims entering the country. The ACLU has a detailed look at the specific Constitutional issues Trump’s proposals may pose and throws down the gauntlet: https://www.aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/if-donald-trump-implements-his-proposed-policies-well-see-him-court
The ACLU’s more detailed look: https://www.aclu.org/feature/donald-trump-one-man-constitutional-crisis
5) If the post-election period has you feeling energized or wondering what you can do to make a difference, Bustle magazine has a collection of 27 small steps you can take that will have a positive impact. #2: Go outside. #8: Set up a recurring donation to an organization that’s fighting to make a difference. See all 27 ideas:
https://www.bustle.com/articles/194304-27-little-things-you-can-do-to-make-a-positive-difference-after-the-2016-election-results
That’s it for the Friday Five. For the readers out there who are feeling discouraged or depressed, former Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater’s advice after he lost the 1964 election in a landslide, “Mourn, then organize,” springs to mind.
The Friday Five will still be here next week, so check back then. And, as always, if you want more nonprofit information, you can follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page. We’re available for any questions you may have about nonprofits at info@b-alaw.com. See you next week.