On Aug. 17, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, a day to honor the contributions of the nonprofit sector to our society and economy. Nonprofits are vital to our communities, providing essential services and programs that improve the lives of millions of people. They address some of the most pressing societal challenges, such as poverty, health, education, environment, arts, and human rights. They also foster civic engagement, giving voice to the marginalized and underrepresented groups in society.
Nonprofits are a crucial part of the workforce, employing more than 12 million people in the United States. In Michigan, nonprofits employ just under 400,000 people representing 10% of the state workforce. Nonprofit workers are diverse, passionate, and skilled professionals who dedicate their careers to serving the public good. They are teachers, nurses, social workers, artists, scientists, advocates, and more working in every sector and every region of the country. They are often unsung heroes of our communities, frequently working long hours, with limited resources, and under challenging conditions, to make a difference in their communities.
Nonprofits and their workers have faced significant challenges in the past few years, due to the impact of the pandemic, rising costs due to inflation, social unrest, and political polarization. These factors have affected the demand for non-profit services, the availability of funding, the capacity of staff and volunteers, and the public support for non-profit missions.
That is why, on this National Nonprofit Day, we urge you to support and recognize the impact of your local nonprofit organizations. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Advocate. Nonprofits need advocates to raise awareness, educate, and influence policy makers and the public on key issues. Advocacy is a powerful way to amplify your voice and make a change in your community, state, or country. Connect with a nonprofit serving your area of interest to see how you can add your voice to their advocacy efforts. You can search a directory of nonprofits by name or cause at guidestar.org/search.
- Volunteer. Nonprofits need volunteers to help them deliver services and programs, as well as to provide administrative, technical, or professional support. Volunteering is a great way to contribute your time, skills, and talents to a cause you care about, while also learning new things, meeting new people, and having fun. You can find local volunteer opportunities at United Way of Southwest Michigan’s volunteer portal at uwsm.org/volunteer. You can also find and sign up for volunteer opportunities on websites such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or Points of Light.
- Donate. Nonprofits rely on contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government to fund their work. Every dollar counts, and no amount is too small. You can find and donate to nonprofits that match your interests and values on websites such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or GivingTuesday.org.
- Join. Working for a nonprofit can be a rewarding and meaningful career choice, as you can contribute to a mission that aligns with your values and interests and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Nonprofits also offer opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration, as you can work with diverse and passionate people who share your vision and goals.
- Last, but not least, thank. Nonprofits and their workforce benefit from expressions of appreciation and recognition for their work and impact. Thanking is a simple but powerful way to show your gratitude and support to the nonprofits and their workers who make communities a better place. You can thank them by sending a card, email, or social media message, by writing a review or testimonial, or by nominating them for an award or recognition.
On this National Nonprofit Day, let us celebrate and honor the nonprofits and their workers who are often unsung heroes of our communities. Let us support and recognize their impact and join them in their efforts to create a better world for all.
Christine Vanlandingham is CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.