We need more nonprofit leaders running for political office!

A few weeks ago, I was at a gathering that included many high-wealth individuals. I talked to a man who told me his family was concerned about the environment, so they used a ton of money--millions!--to form an organization to do climate policy work. I asked how it had been going.

“Terrible,” he said, “we did so much work on all these amazing policies, but we didn’t have the votes. Everything was blocked by the people in office.”

This story encapsulates many of the patterns and challenges with so much of our work. We are often more comfortable addressing the symptoms of injustice, thinking that political work is forbidden or somehow beneath us, and this tactic ends up derailing everything.

Let’s change that. While we continue doing needed programmatic and advocacy work, we need more people from our sector running for office. If you’ve ever had any desire to be an elected official, and your motives are not to inflame cruelty and hate and protect billionaires and corporations, now is a good time to run. People are sick of those currently in power and are looking for fresh faces and ideas.

We need you to run.

Like, immediately.

Seriously, in Washington State, where I live, you have a month left to file the paperwork if you plan to run. If you’re in other states, here are the filing deadlines you need to be aware of.

Everything is on fire right now, and I can’t think of a group of people who would be better elected officials. Most people who are in this sector are here because they care about the world. Many have first-hand experience with poverty, homelessness, and other problems in society, which many current people in power have never experienced. Nonprofit leaders are often connected to the community, used to dealing with high levels of stress, and are super creative and persistent due to constantly having to face challenges such as lack of funding.

Which makes me wonder why our sector is not a stronger pipeline for political candidates. I think there are a few reasons.

One is the lack of financial resources. The wealthy are often able to finance their campaigns, whereas those who make less money can’t. This can be solved by funders and donors stepping in. For example, First Mile Circle provides financial support to candidates of color who are running in their first race, and it’s been very effective:

“In the six years since First Mile launched in 2019, our cross-class, multi-racial donor circle has moved over $2.3 million in total to 200 progressive candidates of color across 31 of Washington state’s 39 counties, helping 110 community leaders win and step into public office.”

We need more funders funding programs like First Mile Circle, in every state.

But funding aside, there is the pervasive imposter syndrome that plagues our field. Those who would make amazing political leaders often doubt themselves, thinking they may not have the skills and experience to win campaigns or to be good at their jobs if they get into office.

Well, if you’ve been thinking of running for office but have been doubting yourself, please run. A cursory glance at the people in charge right now should end everyone’s imposter syndrome forever.  

You don't have to know everything or have everything in place to seek public office. If you do choose to run, there are lots of resources. Here are just a few:

·       The Collective PAC: Working to build Black political power. The organization provides training, technical assistance, fundraising, and other forms of support.

·       Higher Heights: Supports Black women running for office at all levels and works to increase their civic participation.

·       National Council on Independent Living: Provides training and other forms of support for people, especially those with disabilities, to run for office.

. Advance Native Political Leadership. Working to build power for and by Indigenous peoples.

·       Latino Victory: Working to grow Latino political representation and power.

·       The BLUE Institute: “Bringing more young people of color to become leaders, strategists, and key staff members of progressive electoral campaigns and organizations.”

• New American Leaders Supports immigrants and refugees to run for office
• Run for Something provides in-depth training for progressive young candidates

·       The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) nonpartisan 501c3 dedicated to increasing AP/NH/PI representation, including in elected office

·       EMILY’s List: Supports local and state-level progressive women candidates

·       Progressive Campaign Change Committee, supports progressive political candidates, including raising funds and providing various tools

As we’ve seen over the past few years, those who are in political power can make or break society. I know running for political leadership and then being an elected official is not easy. I often see the sacrifices my colleagues make.

At the same time, it is difficult for our field to make radical changes to systems of injustice and oppressions, and to actualize the vision we want for our community, if the same people continue to wield political power. We need people grounded in our sector’s values of equity, justice, and inclusion to be in office, helping to pass laws that support our communities and block the ones that cause harm. Otherwise, we may continue spinning our wheels on a lot of issues we care about.

So if you’re thinking about running for office, or even if you had never thought about it before until now, and you believe in equity and justice, please throw caution to the wind and do it. Our communities need you.

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Vu’s book, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy, is out. Order your copy at Elliott Bay Book Company, Barnes and Nobles, or Bookshop. If you’re in the UK, use this version of Bookshop. If you plan to order several copies, use Porchlight for significant bulk discounts. Also, if you're buying 25 copies or more, I'll be glad to call in for a 50-minute discussion; please contact NWBspeaking@gmail.com.