A Voice for Nonprofits

By Jeffrey M. Berry

Book Overview

Nonprofit organizations are playing an increasingly important role in delivering basic government services. Yet they are discouraged by federal law from participating in legislative lobbying efforts--even on issues that affect their clients directly. Without the involvement of nonprofits in the governmental process, the vulnerable populations they serve are left without effective representation in the political system. A Voice for Nonprofits analyzes the effect of government restrictions on the participation of nonprofits in the policymaking process and suggests ways to address the problems. The relationship between nonprofits and the government is ideal in many respects, according to Jeffrey M. Berry and David F. Arons. By underwriting operating budgets and subcontracting the administration of programs to nonprofits, governments at all levels are able to take advantage of nonprofits' dedication, imagination, and private fund-raising skills. However, as nonprofits assume greater responsibility for delivering services traditionally provided by government, that responsibility is not matched by a congruous increase in policy influence. Berry and Arons believe the lobbying restrictions should be eased so that nonprofits may become more involved in public policymaking. Their recommendations are designed to ensure that nonprofit organizations--and the constituencies they serve--are effectively represented in the American political system.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815709129
• ISBN13: 9780815709121
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Needs to be read by every social activist

Informatively written by Jeffrey M. Berry (Professor of Political Science, Tufts University) with the assistance of David F. Arons (Co-Director of Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest), A Voice For Nonprofits examines and addresses the dilemma of nonprofit organizations, which increasingly provide basic government services yet are discouraged by federal law from participating in legislative lobbying efforts. Analyzing these restrictions on the participation of nonprofit organizations in policy making processes, and offering ways to address the problems caused between an imbalance of communication let alone legislation, A Voice For Nonprofits offers crucial insight into a very real modern problem. A Voice For Nonprofits needs to be read by every social activist, as well as every non-profit organization manager, director, and those who serve on board of directors.