Advocacy and democracy and the role of the social sector

With a new administration taking shape, there are many voices seeking to advocate for a broad range of policies. As Joe Biden takes office, he does so amidst the crises of a global pandemic, economic downturn, racial reckoning and domestic terrorism. These represent an overwhelming list of challenges, indeed, but are not insurmountable. America has met similar challenges before and is uniquely equipped to rally at times like this and unite our many voices behind common goals.

In his seminal work, Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville writes of the importance of advocacy to civil society: “In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example and whose words are heeded.”

Social sector organizations have taken up the challenge in unprecedented numbers. In a letter to Congress, more than 4,000 nonprofits from all 50 states joined their voices in an effort to urge Congress to jumpstart COVID-19 relief efforts. In their letter, they note: “It is imperative that Congress takes dramatic and immediate action to support nonprofit organizations, as our efforts are needed like never before.”

Nonprofit, community-based organizations are frontline responders who work on behalf of the health and human services sector to provide food, shelter, medical care and other critical services to those in need. They are essential to the goal of health equity that includes ensuring that resources and vaccines reach those hard-to-reach populations including communities of color.

We are encouraged to see President Biden’s American Rescue Plan which includes $350 million for state and local governments. Human and social service organizations are critical partners with state and local government, making the connection between government programs and ensuring those services reach people in need across communities.

There is no question that nonprofits are struggling, even as demand for services continues to increase. We urge Congress to respond by creating forgivable loans and grants for nonprofits of all sizes, to help address the current COVID surge and to expand eligibility to mid-sized and larger nonprofits who were shut out of the initial Paycheck Protection Program funding.

With so many Americans impacted financially, charitable giving for nonprofits is also down. Congress can pass a universal charitable tax deduction as part of the CARES Act that would enable all taxpayers, not just those who itemize, to take advantage of a tax deduction for giving.

Throughout the pandemic, shut down orders and program cancellations have forced many nonprofits to furlough or lay off staff, which has triggered large unemployment payment fees for nonprofit employers. By extending Federal Unemployment Insurance reimbursement for self-insured nonprofits, Congress can give organizations the flexibility to better manage cash flow challenges.

These are simple yet essential steps that will strengthen and expand the ability of the nonprofit social and human services sector to do what they have always done: provide the foundational supports and building blocks of wellbeing that enable all individuals, families and communities to thrive.

At this moment in our history, our nation is facing a test of character like never before. As a divided nation, our test will be to bridge our divisions and unite our voices as our Founding Fathers directed in order for “we the people, to form a more perfect union.” In so doing, all of us, from the nonprofit to the for-profit sector, from Democrats to Republicans, have the opportunity to fulfill the promise of our democratic experiment and ensure a future that is better than our past.

Ilana Levinson is senior director for government relations for the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. The Alliance recently announced a merger with the Council on Accreditation. Together, they represent a multifaceted network of human and social services organizations and allies who are committed to creating a just and equitable society where all people and communities flourish.