Audience members had a lot to say and ask at the Session Line Up
If you’ve seen today’s headlines, you know that what I described in yesterday’s Philanthropy Potluck post as a “smoldering fire” has now burst into shooting flames at the Minnesota state capitol.
At last Friday’s 2012 Session Line Up (hosted by MCF and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN)), more than a little partisan fuel was thrown about. At one point, after some boos and pointed questions (or, rather, statements) from the audience, MCN Public Policy Director Susie Brown had to remind everyone to keep the dialogue respectful.
Politics of Constitutional Amendments
A lot of Friday’s angst-ridden comments centered on proposed constitutional amendments. Referencing amendments, one attendee implored the elected officials to “move away from the politics of exclusion to the politics of inclusion and opportunity.”
MCN representatives came out strongly against possible constitutional amendments related to the state budget. Nan Madden, director of MCN’s Minnesota Budget Project, stated that they have “never been more worried and frightened about the future of our state.”
She explained that the permanence of the constitutional amendments would limit the ability to invest in Minnesota’s future and respond to changing demographics. If the amendments passed, she predicted more gridlock and budget gimmicks, more shutdowns and more difficulties in creating a more balanced tax system. (Read more about MCN’s position on the Minnesota Budget Project website.)
Insider Tips to Influence
No matter your point of view on these or other potential constitutional amendments, you can – and should – participate in our democratic processes.
Listening between the lines of Friday’s discussion, attendees heard some good advice for successfully influencing public policy. When engaging with elected representatives:
- Repeat, repeat, repeat. Raise your point of view as often as you can with as many audiences as you can. Insist on public discussion and testimony.
- Break out of your issue silo. Show the consequences of your issue for others in society. Find and work with allies in the nonprofit community. Don’t just protect your turf.
- If you don’t ask, you don’t get. One bold questioner invited the Governor to attend her event; he responded by asking for the date and giving the entire audience his phone number at the governor’s mansion.
- Create a report card. Rep. Thissen complimented the Organizing Apprenticeship Project for its just-released agenda for racial and economic justice. He cited the report card as a way to highlight issues, give new insights and hold legislators accountable.
- Be there and be respectful. As Governor Dayton said, have strong convictions but be able to work with others who have equally strong convictions.
No Barriers to Involvement
No matter whether you work at a nonprofit or foundation, you can get involved in shaping critical state issues. As MCF President Bill King noted in his opening remarks, grantmakers can successfully engage in a wide range of public policy activities without violating the letter or spirit of anti-lobbying laws.
And if you’re a little nervous about getting started or looking to refresh your skills, be sure to take advantage of MCN’s array of public policy trainings.
Remember, if you didn’t like the headlines in today’s newspaper, don’t throw up your hands in disgust. The more residents of Minnesota who get engaged, the better our chances of dousing the partisan flames and creating a more positive future for our state.
–Wendy Wehr, MCF vice president of communications and information services
