As a result of the mid-term elections, there will be new members of Congress, new leadership on Capitol Hill and membership in key congressional committees will shift. There will also be significant changes in many state governments.

This is the time for charitable organizations to reach out to newly-elected and re-elected officials:

• Write to your newly elected or re-elected representatives, senators, governors, and state legislators congratulating them on their victory and informing them of what your organization does and how you are ready to assist them in their new duties. You might want to adapt the letter below that Independent Sector is sending to all members of Congress, or craft your own letter.
  
  
• Invite the officials to visit your organization or ask for a meeting with their staff to acquaint them with the services of your organization. You are a powerful resource to assist them in communicating with constituents and alerting them to perspectives on issues affecting your communities.

Sample Letter to Members of Congress

November 9, 2006

The Honorable Daniel K. "Danny" Akaka
HSOB - Hart Senate Office Building, Room 141
Constitution Avenue and 2nd Street, NE
Washington, DC 20510-1103

Dear Senator Akaka:

I am writing to congratulate you on your recent reelection to the United States Senate, and to offer the support and assistance of Independent Sector (IS) as you work on issues of mutual concern in the 110th Congress.

IS is the leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. Our nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 organizations leads, strengthens, and mobilizes the charitable community in order to fulfill our vision of a just and inclusive society and a healthy democracy of active citizens, effective institutions, and vibrant communities.

With a strong history of accomplishments, as well as core competencies in public policy analysis, and advocacy, IS convenes and mobilizes diverse constituencies for the common good. Viewed by our members, lawmakers, and the media as a leadership organization that represents the sector on policy matters and interprets trends, IS affords leaders the opportunity to come together to solve problems. Its creation of the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, at the encouragement of the Senate Finance Committee leadership, and its work with the media has increased the organization’s visibility and credibility and has helped to establish positive relations with many key lawmakers.

IS is currently focusing on issues such as protecting advocacy rights of nonprofits, promoting tax incentives for charitable giving, and addressing accountability and transparency concerns. As a partner with the government and the corporate community, we look forward to working with you as you assume your continued duties in Congress. We are available to you should you have questions or concerns related to these issues or other issues of mutual concern. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Pat Read, senior vice president for public policy and government relations, if Independent Sector can be of assistance to you.

Sincerely,

Diana Aviv
President and CEO

(This letter was adapted for new Senators and for members of the House.)

Last Updated: November 9, 2006