I just came back from a career-affirming trip to Chicago, a city I called home for many years, where I was reminded that this sector includes some of the most passionate and incredible leaders any industry of this country could have.
Dr. Akilah Watkins
During the first stop in the Independent Sector Listening Tour, I met with various nonprofit organizations, engaged incredible leaders of all kinds, and heard more about what these sector leaders would like to see Independent Sector do in the future. What struck me in all the interactions I had was that our sector’s collective voice is incredibly powerful, and oftentimes underestimated.
During the Listening Tour session last Thursday, we heard from leaders about their desire to see champions for the well-being and care of the people who power our workforce. We were reminded again why Independent Sector addresses issues of self and community care and wellbeing so prominently in our programming, especially at Upswell. When the world looks to our leaders to care for our communities in times of crisis, someone has to also care for those leaders. There is so much more work to do to ensure that all members of our paid and volunteer workforce are protected, supported, and adequately resourced in the future.
We also talked about how our collective voice and power as a sector can and should move our nation forward to ensure all people thrive. It was both fitting and serendipitous that while in Chicago, two champions of our sector– Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) –reintroduced the Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together (Nonprofit SEAT) Act, H.R. 3245. The Nonprofit SEAT Act would increase collaboration between federal officials and nonprofits to better serve the sector and communities year-round, especially during emergencies.
Not only would the Nonprofit SEAT Act establish a formal place for nonprofits within the executive branch, but it would also provide regular employment data on the nonprofit sector — as is already the case for our for-profit industries — and create a voluntary, streamlined charitable registration system across states. Learn more about these and other provisions on our website.
Our Listening Tour session, the first of eight stops and one virtual session scheduled between now and January 2024, will help Independent Sector inform our next strategic plan, and more deeply inform our collective power and voice as we head into the future.
Last week’s events would not have been possible if not for the generous partnership of one of our members, Chicago Cares, and their fierce leader, Ellen Ray. Thank you, Ellen, for your and your team’s support of the Listening Tour and for inviting me to be a part of your Annual Leadership Breakfast to discuss our work to bridge differences. You’ll learn more about Chicago Cares’ incredible work in Independent Sector’s June edition of our ChangeWorksnewsletter, so stay tuned.
And to the sector leaders who support Independent Sector’s work through engagement in our membership, programs, policy strategies, and/or trainings – please know that your voice will always matter to us. Whether we are hosting leaders to talk about self and community care, advocating on Capitol Hill for legislation that expands our reach within the government, or amplifying the issues that matter most to the communities we serve – we are so grateful you share your power with us.
Thank you for being a part of this great sector and community.
Dr. Akilah Watkins is president and CEO of Independent Sector.
