Take Seven Minutes to Protect the Public and Build Stronger Nonprofits

The 35-day federal government shutdown caused widespread disruptions in the lives of millions of people. Fortunately, our nonprofits were there to address problems, maintain well-being, and help communities. However, we also understand that the effects of the shutdown will be with us for some time, and many people and organizations will not recover soon.

The threat of another shutdown is very real. Unless federal elected officials can negotiate an agreement by February 15, then the disruptions and harm caused before will be compounded by yet another shutdown.

Montana Nonprofit Association, in collaboration with organizations across the country, has a very clear message for the White House and Congress: Another government shutdown cannot be an option. The pain is too great; our communities’ well-being is at stake.

Take Seven Minutes to Protect the Public and Build a Stronger Nonprofits

Please take seven minutes to help protect all Americans from the personal disruptions and costs that another government shutdown would inflict and help us all build a stronger nonprofit community.

First, pick up pick your phone and call the President, our two Senators, and your Representative. Tell the person who answers how you and your organization were affected by the federal government shutdown. Then deliver the same message to each office: “The government shutdown reminded everyone that nonprofits are the foundations of our communities, working to build well-being every day. Don’t undermine our communities; shutdowns are completely unacceptable and should never be an option.”

• Contact the White House.Dial the White House comment line at 202-456-1111. NOTE: The line may be busy, so keep trying.
• Call your two U.S. Senators. Use the “Choose a State” dropdown on this list of Senators to find their direct contact information, or simply call the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with the Senators from your state.
• Call your U.S. Representative. Simply call the House switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected with your Representative. Not sure who’s representing you? Find your Representative here.

Second, send an email to all of the above making the same point: “The government shutdown reminded everyone that nonprofits are the foundations of our communities, working to build well-being every day. Don’t undermine our communities; shutdowns are completely unacceptable and should never be an option.”

• White House email address
• Senators contact information
• Representative contact information

Third, send a tweet (288 characters) that tells your federal policymakers how you feel about another government shutdown. Here’s a sample tweet:

[@Representative/Senator’s Twitter Handle] The #government-shutdown reminded everyone that #nonprofits are the foundations of our communities, working to build well-being every day. Don’t undermine our communities; shutdowns are completely unacceptable and should never be an option.

And if you still have some time, please let us know how the government shutdown affected you and your organization, and what reception you got from your calls, emails, and tweets.

Thank you.