How to Connect with Legislators
The State’s website can be overwhelming! The State typically does a great job posting information in a timely manner, but it isn’t always easy to find. Finding out who to talk to about an issue and finding out what issues are on the table are critical first steps to engaging with policy makers. I’m happy to reprint with permission this excellent collection of links compiled by Chris Hall, Senior VP, Governmental Relations, for the Greater Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Who are my legislators?
Click here and find your town and you’ll find your legislators. If there’s more than one legislator listed for your town, click here. If you have any trouble you can also find them with this link using your street address.
How do I contact them?
There’s a listing for each one – for House members click here, for Senators click here, then select your lawmaker. All their contact info is available in one spot.
How do I find the schedule at the state house?
Click here for a comprehensive set of links to all the schedules you need from, the House and Senate’s daily calendars to future committee hearings and work sessions. The entire legislative calendar also can be seen at a glance by clicking here.
How do I find out what bills are going to be on the table? (Paragraph Added by MANP)
Typically, before the beginning of each legislative session, legislators submit Legislative Requests (LRs). This list of titles with sponsors is published here. As they get formalized and turned in to Legislative Documents (LDs), they start to appear here.
How do I read a bill?
Take the LD (‘legislative document’) number and plug it in here. Then use the navigation buttons on the left to read the bill, track amendments and work sessions, final committee votes and more.
How do I find out what happened to a bill?
Click here for some good information and tips on bill tracking. Make sure you use the bill tracking system (above) since it provides the best, most up-to-date on-line information.
How can I contact a legislative committee?
Here’s a list of all the legislative committees, and a short description of what each one does. To get the roster for any committee, click here, then click again on the committee you want. At the bottom of this page, there’s a link to an excel spreadsheet that makes it easy to email all the committee members at once. Don’t forget you can listen to any committee as it works by clicking here and following the appropriate link.
Other resources:
The Senate has a good page of resource links – the House has an extensive menu too. Both political parties have web resources – click here and hover over the appropriate links, and use the same link for audio and video feeds for legislative sessions.
February 2nd is Nonprofit Day at the State House
Nonprofits matter. Scratch the surface of why people love Maine and you’ll find a strong network of nonprofit organizations delivering on their missions. Maine’s nonprofits protect the environment, care for our most vulnerable residents, support arts and culture, educate our children, develop community leaders, and sustain our spirit.
That’s why each year, at the beginning of the legislative session, we organize a day of celebration and recognition of Maine’s vibrant nonprofit sector. This year, Nonprofit Day at the State house is Thursday, February 2, 2012. We invite all nonprofits to celebrate with us and we have developed fun and easy ways for staff and board members to do so. Visit our Nonprofit Day webpage and down load one of our toolkits full of ideas to:
- engage with policy makers
- raise the awareness of your nonprofit’s work
- connect with others through social media
- and much more!
Each fall we advertise for volunteers to exhibit in the State House’s Hall of Flags as part of our Nonprofit Day celebration. From the many volunteers, we must choose only twelve nonprofits who can show case the diversity of the sector. The twelve organizations selected this year represent the sector well. Some are small and some are very large; they come from many parts of the state; and they serve a very wide range of charitable purposes. We are pleased to announce the following slate of exhibitors:
- Alice James Poetry Cooperative, Inc. (Alice James Books), Farmington
- Cobscook Community Learning Center, Trescott
- Community Counseling Center, Portland
- Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Augusta
- Frannie Peabody Center, Portland
- Friends of Seguin Island Light Station, Bath
- Maine Robotics, Orono
- Mano en Mano, Milbridge
- Natural Resources Council of Maine, Augusta
- Operation Breaking Stereotypes, Orono
- Spurwink, Portland
- Trekkers, Tenants Harbor
- Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP), Portland
Help us on February 2nd, and in the weeks and days leading up to the event, to celebrate the sector and raise the awareness of the important work you do – day in and day out!
Increasing Your Board’s Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is one of those buzz terms that many nonprofits use when prospecting for board members. The goal is usually to find nonprofit board members who can read financial reports without breaking a sweat and adopt budgets that will serve nonprofits well. But as we head into 2012, is it enough to focus on just the numbers?
In this challenging environment, being aware of sector wide trends is also a skill that boards need. Specifically, understanding what impacts a nonprofit’s cash flow and taking a critical look at a variety of scenarios, including shifts in a nonprofit’s traditional revenues sources, or even the possibility that a nonprofit may merge, is important.
A recent study, Financial Literacy and Knowledge in the Nonprofit Sector, suggests that a broader definition of “financial literacy” is needed. The report from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University exposes that board members are least likely to have a command of scenario planning, or the ability to analyze a potential merger, or debt restructuring, and that almost one third of those surveyed describe themselves as “novices” in understanding trends in the nonprofit sector (as opposed to either “knowledgeable” or “expert.”) Also, not surprising but still alarming, among the 500 nonprofit CEOs, CFOs and board members surveyed, those from smaller organizations (under $1 million) were less likely to be able to answer three basic questions about economics, and among those same small organizations, operating reserves are dangerously low: 45% reported less than 3 months of operating reserves and 28% reported less than the optimal 4-6 months in reserve. These findings collectively underscore the concern that in the current economic environment the boards of the smallest nonprofits (the majority of the sector) are not well positioned to avoid and survive a cash flow crisis or a shift in the nonprofit’s usual income streams.
The report also observes:
- * Board orientations typically include sharing a copy of the ethics or conflict of interest policy, but less commonly the financial risk management policies (such as those addressing internal controls).
- * Boards typically review a budget that shows the variance between actual income/expenses and the budgeted amounts, but they are less commonly engaged in scenario planning that takes into account future potential outcomes affecting cash flow; and
- * While the majority (66%) of the nonprofits responded that their boards were “involved in financial accountability” only 26% reported that those same boards were actively engaged in fundraising for the nonprofit.
There is no question that we need board and staff members to be able to recognize sector trends and how those trends impact their organizations. We also need board members to be financially accountable for oversight of financial risk management policies, and to be able to read the narrative created by income/expense reports. As your organization plans its next orientation for new board members, look for ways to share resources that will help your board be ready to meet the challenges ahead.
10 Resources to Increase the Financial Literacy of Board and Staff:
- * The National Council’s webpage offering resources on financial management is a good place to start.
- * Help board members understand their oversight role for internal controls; Explore these suggestions for internal controls appropriate for a very small nonprofit.
- * The Scenario Planning Worksheet developed by the Nonprofits Assistance Fund is a step-by-step guide to contingency planning that can help boards and staff make informed budget and management decisions based on different scenarios.
- * Goodies for board orientations: Glossary of financial terms; cheat sheet on balance sheets, characteristics of financially healthy nonprofits, how to manage restricted funds.
- * Both board and staff can benefit from completing this short Financial Management Self-Assessment Tool developed by the Nonprofit Association of Oregon.
- * A cash flow template can be a helpful dashboard at board meetings.
- * Share the past year’s IRS Form 990 and help board members understand what it means.
- * How much cash should be in reserve? Check out these resources from the Nonprofits Assistance Fund: Operating Reserves Overview and Policy Example and Maintaining Nonprofit Operating Reserves, that explain the concept of an operating reserve ratio.
Finally, being aware of trends that impact a nonprofit’s financial resources is an important component of financial literacy: Board members need to know what’s happening in the broader nonprofit environment, particularly in their state, so they can understand the implications for their particular nonprofit. Help your board members stay abreast of trends that impact nonprofits by introducing them to free e-newsletters, such as the newsletter of your State Association of nonprofits (MANP!), Nonprofit Quarterly’s Nonprofit Newswire, Guidestar, and the National Council of Nonprofit’s e-newsletters.
Looking ahead, what are your nonprofit’s biggest challenges for 2012? Please let us know so we can stay on top of the trends that will help your organization navigate the challenges ahead.
This article reprinted with permission from Nonprofit Knowledge Matters, a publication of the National Council of Nonprofits.
For additional resources on Financial Management from MANP, check out:
- * MANP’s Nonprofit Financial Management Guide
- * Our online Resource Library’s section on financial management
- * The financial management section of MANP’s Guiding Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Maine
- * Upcoming SkillBuilders on financial management
Exempt Organizations to Offer Internships to Students Interested in Nonprofit Management
In 2009, IRS Exempt Organizations (EO) established its Academic Institutions Initiative to work with educational entities to develop, cultivate and promote professionals who shape the non-profit sector. Our goal is to help prepare the non-profit leaders of the future by providing training about exempt organizations’ federal tax law responsibilities.
As part of this initiative, two or three graduate student interns who are interested in nonprofit management or policy will be selected to work in the IRS Exempt Organizations office as 2012 summer interns. Although these are unpaid positions, these student interns will have a unique opportunity to see how tax-exempt organizations handle their tax responsibilities and become familiar with Federal tax provisions that govern exempt organizations. If you or a graduate student you know might be interested please let them know about this internship opportunity. For more information, see our Internship Fact Sheet; if interested, apply by March 2, 2012.
MANP has a new Affiliate Membership with Nonprofit Risk Management Center (NRMC), a partnership that will offer MANP members a wealth of affordable benefits for the upcoming year! So that we don’t overwhelm you with all of the benefits, we’ll limit this posting to just one: The First Wednesday Risk Management Webinar Series.
Each webinar will occur at 2PM and will last one hour. The cost couldn’t be more affordable at $15 each for MANP members, and $59 for nonmembers. To register for any/all, please email Jessica Lantos or call 871-1885.
January 4/2PM
Risk and Decision-Making
A fast-paced webinar exploring the intersection between risk-taking and decision-making. Find out how to overcome the biases and traps that lead to poor decisions, and learn how to tap your growing awareness of risk in your nonprofit’s internal and external environments to enhance the decisions you make in 2012.
February 1/2PM
Managing Social Media Risk and Reward
Social media tools offer low cost, engaging and creative ways to engage a wide array of stakeholders. Yet like any tool deployed to advance your nonprofit’s mission, there’s plenty of downside risk along with potential reward. Learn about the risks caused by intentional as well as unintentional conduct on the part of employees, volunteers, members and others. Learn what you can do to better appreciate and manage the risks that arise from social media use, including uses within and outside your span of control.
March 7/2PM
Nonprofit D&O: What’s new and What You Need to Know
Nonprofit Directors’ and Officers’ liability coverage (“D&O”) has evolved from the early days when only a slightly customized corporate form was offered to nonprofit buyers. Today nonprofit D&O is often the first coverage purchased by start-up nonprofits and regarded as a “must-have” coverage in many nonprofit insurance portfolios. Learn how the coverage has changed over time, how claims against nonprofits and nonprofit boards have evolved over the years, and what you need to look for when selecting a policy in today’s highly competitive marketplace.
April 4/2PM
Risk-Aware Contracting: What You Don’t Know Could Cost You
Contracts are unavoidable. They are the mainstay of relationships with independent contractors, vendors, other service providers, landlords, to name a few. Yet negotiating sound contracts requires time, understanding and some practical experience with contracting potholes and pitfalls. This webinar will identify common contracting mistakes and offer practical steps to steer clear of the dangers that lurk in the contracts your nonprofit will execute in the year ahead.
May 2/2PM
Risk and Reward: Protecting Your Tax Exempt Status
This webinar will explore strategies for protecting your nonprofit’s tax exempt status. Critical topics that will be covered include: the importance of key governance policies, making sure that your nonprofit generates the “right” kind of revenue, managing joint ventures and other revenue-generating programs to minimize exemption and UBIT risks, and steering clear of “deal breakers,” including private inurement and political activities. Stop worrying about threats to your nonprofit’s tax exempt status; register today!
June 6/2PM
Financial Due Diligence: It’s More Than Checking Boxes
Due diligence and risk management are inextricably linked. Many leaders think of due diligence int he context of managing the risks of contractual arrangements, partnerships or new business ventures. Some may see due diligence as a “checking-the-box” process that boils down to confirming facts. This narrow view trivializes the process. Effective due diligence requires the willingness to look for indicators that may signal unusual or unexpected risks. Done properly, due diligence should offer information and insights beyond re-statements of fact. This session will focus on financial due diligence using actual financial statements.
July 11/2PM
Reporting Success: What’s the Risk?
Savvy donors want to know more than how much of their dollars went to “programs” versus “overhead” or “fundraising” expense: they want to know what progress your nonprofit is making to advance its ambitious mission Failing to track and demonstrate impact puts your mission and sustainability at risk. Success in today’s nonprofit world is more than how many people you served, how many events you sponsored, or how many “friends” you have on a popular social media site. Learn how to appreciate and manage stakeholder expectations and how to tell your “success story” in a manner that is transparent, accurate and compelling.
August 1/2PM
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Attend this webinar to learn about best practice strategies for protecting members of vulnerable populations from harm caused by criminal acts, negligence and accidents. In addition to exploring “best practice” approaches learn about critical, evolving challenges facing leaders of nonprofits that serve vulnerable clients. If your nonprofit serves children, the elderly or persons with disabilities, you won’t want to miss this fast-paced program.
September 5/2PM
Human Behavior and Risk Managment
When a nonprofit adopts a risk management “framework,” deputizes members of a risk management committee, and approves a set of slick policies that have been blessed by counsel, one would expect that the organization’s risk management journey will be relatively smooth and uneventful. But not if there are human beings int he mix! This webinar will explore how somewhat predictable human behavior can impede the realization of risk management strategies and policies. Learn about the importance of ownership behavior in employees, how to inspire truth-telling, and what steps are key to jump-starting true collaboration in your risk management program.
October 3/2PM
Managing Special Event Risks
Special events continue to be popular in the nonprofit sector. Whether your upcoming event is designed as a fundraiser, as a way to raise awareness for your mission or cause, or both, an assortment of risks will be featured along with the plentiful buffet and enthusiastic crowd. Learn “what’s new” in special events risk management. Find out what you can do today to better appreciate the risks associated with events, and what you can and must do if something goes wrong when you set the stage, unroll the red carpet or simply promise an “unforgettable” event.
November 7/2PM
Crisis Management and Crisis Communications
A crisis is any event that threatens your nonprofit’s survival or ability to advance its mission. A crisis demands your immediate focus. This webinar will explore the critical steps and planning required before a crisis hits. Find out what you should be doing today to ensure that your nonprofit will be in the strongest possible position to survive a crisis that is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine.
December 5/2PM
Calibrating Your Nonprofit’s Risk Appetite: Candid Conversations at the Board Table
Many nonprofit leaders report a sense of being either “risk takers” or “risk averse.” Yet it is unusual for the entire leadership team to share the same level of comfort with highly uncertain outcomes. This webinar will explore the concept of “risk appetite” in a nonprofit organization. Topics to be discussed include: how to engage the board in a conversation about the nonprofit’s appetite for uncertainty, and how to ensure that decision-making at all levels of the organization is in sync with the overall risk appetite defined by the board. Find out how to have a conversation about taking bold risks with a board that clings to the status quo, or how to raise risk issues gracefully in an environment where “anything goes!”
Each webinar will occur at 2PM and will last one hour. The cost couldn’t be more affordable at $15 each for MANP members, and $30 for nonmembers. To register for any/all, please email Jessica Lantos or call 871-1885.
Brenda Peluso
Annie Sutton
Elizabeth Banwell
LK Gagnon
Jessica Lantos
Scott Schnapp
Abbie McGilvery
Molly O'Connell
Mark Hews
