Whatever folks feel about the election results, up and down the ballot, Central Oregon nonprofits play an ever-increasing and critical role in our communities and must play a central role in bringing people together. The public values and trusts nonprofits. Their positive actions can help model the way for our elected leaders to follow.
Charitable organizations are critical to the health, safety, beauty and joy of our communities. Nonprofits are where neighbors can gather to improve lives and strengthen communities through service. Nonprofit missions are as varied as the make-up of our communities. They provide services that empower, heal, enliven, beautify, protect, educate, and so much more. There is a nonprofit ideally suited to the interests and passions of every person. Working through nonprofits, we reconnect with our communities and rediscover what binds us together.
With the new administration at the federal level and changes in state leadership in many positions, nonprofits have both a responsibility and opportunity to advocate to these policymakers on behalf of our missions and the important work we do. The Nonprofit Association of Oregon remains deeply committed to the success of the sector and will continue to do everything it can to support nonprofits and their leaders in being effective in achieving their missions.
As we enter the season of giving, I encourage you to support the important work of nonprofit organizations throughout Central Oregon. Honor the service of their staff, volunteers, and board members and give financially through your business and personal resources. Let’s work together to unite, heal, and move our state and nation forward.
Jim White is executive director of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO). Partners In Care is one of several nonprofit members of NAO in Central Oregon, and hosts the NAO educational workshops at their Bend location.
