Changing the Nonprofit Advocacy Paradigm

There are numerous Coronavirus lessons that nonprofits can benefit from as they engage in advocacy for their organizations. As we see the current Coronavirus pandemic unfold, we can see why it is important to separate partisanship from problem-solving in policymaking. In-groups and out-groups have been shifting policy conversations from problem-solving to bolstering group identity. Ideologues without concrete problem-solving ideas are using propaganda-driven narratives and emotion emoting terminology without substance to reframe conversations. Thus, they are re-contextualizing any pros and cons analysis of how a particular policy is working as an attack on the “in-group”. 

Coronavirus lessons tell us that the joint problem-solving process that is necessary to operationalize solutions to complex social and health issues is subsequently being thwarted by partisan divides that trigger emotional decision-making in a place where neutral analysis is necessary. This divisive approach to policymaking thwarts the ability of the government to carry out its purpose of solving problems that individuals cannot solve on their own. Unfortunately, nonprofits are getting caught in the crossfire of this growing trend with devastating outcomes for the public. 

When in-group self-affirmation drives the policy process, the end result is dysfunctional systems, processes, and protocols that do not allow for:

1. The adequate mobilization and allocation of resources to where they are needed,
2. The proper coordination of the logistics to implement appropriate policy interventions, and
3. Making systems corrections to remedy unanticipated consequences or ineffective practices.

These steps can only occur when there is proper engagement by the government of nonprofit partners, transparency, and solid partnerships of trust with policymakers and their constituents.

The biggest Coronavirus lessons that nonprofits can draw come from how the current spread of the Coronavirus in the United States is unfolding. Policymaking must be driven by truth, rather than fantasies that affirm pre-conceived myopic notions of reality. In the absence of a problem-focused policy discourse, what we get is a mishmash of misinformation, diluted policies that don’t solve anything of substance, inefficiently managed public resources, and an underserved and frustrated public that loses trust in nonprofits and public institutions. This is a threat to both our democratic process, but also to the protection mechanisms that we have in place to maintain our waning social safety net. Only clear-headed and non-biased advocacy strategies can begin to counteract this troubling trend. 

Reframing Narratives Dos: 

The following are some strategies that we can draw from the Coronavirus lessons we are learning for navigating a new policy paradigm that focuses on problem-solving: 

• Demand that facts govern policymaking. This requires making sure that only data and information that has been collected in a scientific manner with a robust methodology is used in decision-making. Unreliable, but easily accessible sources of information should not be used in policy-making. 
• Concrete descriptions of facts coupled with a list of action steps that are not filled with partisan terminology should frame issues. Otherwise, policy-brokers with a partisan filter will immediately reject any proposals you are making. Remember, your purpose is to solve a social or health problem, so you must focus on using language that communicates the issues you want to address by tapping into reason, instead of emotional conversations that trigger self-defense or attack mechanisms. 
• Be clear and concise with the problems you want to solve. Be prepared with a clear, concise, 3 point description of the issues you need to be solved. This is not the time to make a list of all of the things that would be nice to solve. Focus on your top 3 priorities, and maybe you’ll be able to address one issue or at least make some progress on establishing your organization as a key, truthful, and reliable source of information.
• Prepare beforehand for how you are going to respond neutrally with nonpartisan language to partisan questions or statements. In the event attempts are made to bring you in partisan discussions that will diminish your ability to solve the issues, respectfully bring the conversation back to problem-solving. 
• Focus on process and developing systems that are neutral, objective, and outcomes-focused. This will help to keep the conversation on track and aligned with the issue you want to address. 

Reframing Narratives DON’Ts: 

Other Coronavirus lessons nonprofits can draw include the following:

• Do not dilute your message, compromise your values, or walk away from controversial issues, rather re-shift your strategy away from a partisan context to engage in real conversations about real solutions for constituents. Shifting your messaging to neutral and partisan-free language should not lead you to take away from your mission. You have an ethical responsibility to represent and advocate for those who do not have the resources or wherewithal to do it on their own.  Neutral, objective, and process driven solutions are intended to be tools for strengthening efficacy and accountability in government.  
• Do not give into the narrative that you should wait till the right time to address the policy concern you have because that time will never come. Do not step back from your advocacy functions and hope that it will get better because it will not, unless you step in to advance your own cause. 
• Don’t feel satisfied with symbolic wins that don’t amount to real shifts in policy because it is easier for the sake of avoiding political hot-buttons. This is why it is important to come prepared with a list of issues that you need to be addressed and not just a wish list of things that would be nice. 
• Do not get caught up in counteracting misinformation the policy broker is intent on defending. Do not get sucked-into a propaganda driven discussion without substance or context. You will never make any headway. Pivot the conversation instead by re-focusing on the needs of constituents, the issue you have to solve in concrete terms, and provide solutions instead of complaints. 

Many of the policy discussions that are taking place now are not based on substance. They create an in-group and out-group sensation which ultimately degrades the policymaking process. It is our duty in the nonprofit community to continue to advocate for those that need us with facts, truth, and solutions. It is also imperative that we do not get caught up in fueling this environment that rewards sensationalism and misinformation. Nonprofits are pillars of problem-solving and that can only be achieved by being reliable and steady.

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