Good Works. Together.

Oregon House Bill (HB) 2060 Passes Senate

The Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) commends the Senate for passing HB 2060, which requires that charities spend at least 30% of their expenses on programs and services. The Oregon House of Representatives passed this bill on March 7. NAO has been working on this issue--beginning with its first incarnation as Senate Bill (SB) 40--for over two years. NAO remain steadfast in our support of this common-sense legislation that creates appropriate exceptions for new charities and upholds the integrity of the nonprofit sector in Oregon.

From the Desk of Jim White | May 22, 2013

“In towns it is impossible to prevent men from assembling, getting excited together and forming sudden passionate resolves. Towns are like great meeting houses with all the inhabitants as members. In them the people wield immense influence over their magistrates and often carry their desires into execution without intermediaries.”
- Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Dear Friends,

We, in the nonprofit sector, would be wise to remind ourselves of Alexis de Tocqueville’s words from his acclaimed work, Democracy in America. Drawing together in assembly, we are moved by our peers and communities to share, learn, be challenged with new ideas, and to solve problems. Nonprofit leaders gather in our towns and cities and also at conferences and network sessions. In today’s world we have vastly more options than our predecessors.

We can gather through webinars and social networks using technology, transforming the way that many of us manage our work and lives. We can mobilize forcefully and “wield influence over our magistrates” when we need to ensure our rights. This past month, I had the opportunity to gather in three towns across Oregon to share ideas and learn:

• On April 22 and 23, Medford hosted the 24th Annual Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference (ONLC) which challenged participants to lead boldly. Nearly 350 attendees had the opportunity to choose from 15 sessions on such topics as advocacy, collaboration, fundraising, and social media. In her keynote address, Dr. America Bracho of Latino Health Access encouraged us to practice community engagement at its best. I strongly encourage nonprofit leaders to sign up now for updates on next year’s conference.
• A group of executive directors from the Eugene area came together for a retreat at Camp Lutherwood in Cheshire on May 2 and 3. Claire Seguin—Executive Director of the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO), NAO Board member, and one of the retreat’s organizers—characterized the retreat as a way to improve the strength and quality of local nonprofits by creating an active support and learning network for executive directors. Mixing practical concerns with strategic visioning, we discussed issues that ranged from how our sector measures and articulates our impact to concerns about staff health insurance rates. I came away challenged by the discussion and refreshed from the beautiful scenery.
• On May 8, The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) held their Annual Luncheon in Portland. CEO and President Max Williams declared 2012 a banner year for OCF, with more than $60 million in grants made and end-of-year assets totaling $1.3 billion. OCF also announced a five-year, $32 million investment in strategies and programs supporting eduction and the arts for all Oregonians, ensuring that more children continue on a path to academic success and fostering more vibrant and accessible arts communities around the state.

I’m going to Washington, DC in a couple of weeks to participate in the National Council of Nonprofits’ annual Lobby Day. What would you have me tell our Senators and Representatives and their staffs about the issues that matter to you? Are you seeing the effects of government budget cuts? What would a change in the charitable deduction mean to your mission? Are there other things you think they need to know? Please send me a note and share what’s on your mind.

Across the state this past month, there were many other meetings, conferences, and assemblies that also contributed to keeping Oregon vibrant. As we move into summer, I encourage NAO Members to practice association in whatever distinct format you chose. It is up to all of us to transform our sector and our society through ideas and conversations of “sudden passionate resolves.”

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We Want to Hear From You: Take the Oregon Nonprofit Survey

In 2008, four state nonprofit associations in the northwest region--Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon--came together as a cohort to learn from each other how our organizations could better serve you and your constituents. Our work as a cohort was then and continues to be supported by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

This year, we hope you will take the time to complete the survey, giving us a broader and deeper understanding of the state of the nonprofit sector in Oregon. Your responses will give us valuable information we can use to sharpen our focus as your state association.

The survey will be open through June 7, 2013. We greatly appreciate your time and willingness to contribute your valuable opinion. We cannot overemphasize the importance of your perspective relative to our work.

To show our appreciation, we are giving away one voucher for a Nonprofit Association of Oregon training event or network season pass (up to $150 value). To enter the drawing, provide your contact information when prompted at the end of the survey.

Take the survey now. The deadline is June 7, 2013.

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The new fifth edition of The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook is now available!

Get your copy today!