Americans need a weather vane to track the direction of the United States economy. Tariffs bluster one way. Federal legislation gusts in another.
Whichever way the wind blows, organizations getting knocked down most often of late are local nonprofits. Especially ones set up to support the social safety net – including entities that supplement youth education, help feed families and house all ages, including a growing number of seniors.
In June, the San Diego Solidarity Network, made up of nonprofit leaders, declared a “State of Civic Emergency.” A local survey says government funding accounts for 30% of nonprofit revenue. “We need to see that our house is on fire,” says SDSN co-steward Claire Groebner.
As an independent, hyperlocal news provider, The San Diego Sun is attempting to do its small part to address funding cuts that adversely affect these groups. My news website just initiated a “Nonprofit Voices” series. The goal is to publish stories that remind the public of the good deeds done on the local level by nonprofits, charities and foundations.
“The 1.6 million nonprofits in America employ 10% of our country’s workforce, and 63 million volunteers.”
–Billionaire philanthropist McKenzie Scott
I’m encouraging other publishers around the country to do the same. It’s right in the wheelhouse of local media. Covering the accomplishments of charitable groups is good service journalism and also perfect fodder for feel-good features that carry reader interest.
A couple examples: I kicked off “Nonprofit Voices” with two stories. The first is about David’s Harp Foundation. It teaches kids music and video production skills. Through David’s Harp, young people are getting jobs in the field, and even starting their own companies.
Reality Changers takes in low-income high schoolers who want to be the first in their family to go to college. “As far as I could see, college was the highest wall ever,” according to Reality Changers student Aimee Gutierrez Carmona. Now 19, she’s getting ready for her sophomore year at Brown University.
Focusing on Nonprofit Voices stories is a worthwhile endeavor for both blue- and red-state newsrooms. Need doesn’t discriminate by political party.
I’m reaching out to some local and national media organizations I belong to and suggesting they consider encouraging members to look at this and other creative ideas to keep local nonprofit efforts in the minds of readers.
While the immediate goal might be, in part, to help nonprofits fundraise to recoup losses brought by federal cuts, there’s a bigger picture. The nonprofit world is a big ecosystem that needs political support.
“The 1.6 million nonprofits in America employ 10% of our country’s workforce, and 63 million volunteers,” billionaire philanthropist McKenzie Scott (the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos), wrote in her Yield Giving blog. “Their service supports and empowers people who go on to support and empower others.”
FYI: “Nonprofit Voices” is not trademarked. If enough news publishers decide to use it as a category header, maybe it will breed recognition. Or, do your own thing. Please just consider shining a light on local organizations that support and empower our communities. Especially now. SDSun
