V3 Campaign will give nonprofits a national voice

Robert Egger of the DC Central Kitchen has launched a national initiative, the V3 Campaign, which he describes as an innovative way “to get the nonprofit sector engaged in local and national politics as well as merging philanthropy and commerce.”

Egger is one of the organizers of the Nonprofit Congress, which met for the first time in 2006 and will convene again in Washington, D.C., June 1-4, 2008. He has been traveling around the country to promote the nonprofit sector. “I’ve traveled far and wide in the nonprofit sector, speaking in countless communities and at town hall meetings in advance of the first Nonprofit Congress,” he said. One of those gatherings was HANO’s Nov. 1, 2006, annual meeting.

“I have seen lots of great organizations in action and met thousands of passionate professionals who all struggle with the same issues. We cannot wait any longer for our leaders to lead us, or our elected officials to hear us, or our funders to support us. We have to make it happen ourselves,” Egger said.

The V3 Campaign will ask every candidate for higher office – from small town mayoral contenders to presidential nominees – to provide details about their experience with and plans for strengthening the nonprofit sector if they are elected. “We want to impact every election, in every town, in every state,” he said.

On Jan. 21, V3 Campaign began Phase I, which targets the 2008 presidential elections, sending questions to all presidential candidates. Click here to sign up to receive updates when the candidates submit statements.

“In Phase II we will take the V3 Campaign to elections across the country, giving you – nonprofit employees, volunteers, and contributors – the information you need to make educated decisions about which candidates will best address the causes you support and partner with the organizations where you work and volunteer,” Egger said.

Nonprofits that want to participate can register at the V3 Campaign and be part of history. “If you are interested in a new direction for the sector, check out my blog and my new website, www.robertegger.org/blog.” Egger said.