V3 Campaign updates national agenda for 2009

The American political scene changes quickly and the V3 Campaign has an ambitious 2009 agenda to ensure that the voice, values and votes of the nonprofit sector are involved in elections across America.

Nonprofits are businesses, but too many legislators still view the economy through an antiquated lens, in which businesses make money and drive the economy, while nonprofits get donations and do good deeds, says Robert Egger, V3 founder. “Nonprofits must challenge that opinion aggressively. That's why we're launching the Nonprofits Are Businesses photo petition.”
 
Send a picture of yourself, your colleagues or clients holding a sign that details your contributions to the economy, Egger urges. “Help make sure the message gets out – our role is vital, and nonprofits can play a major role in America's economic recovery.”

In addition, you can post the Nonprofits Are Businesses banner on your website, to show your support, and optionally include a link to the V3 Campaign VALUE page, which will post nonprofit economic impact studies from around the country.

2009 will offer many opportunities for nonprofits to be involved with the V3 Campaign. There will be governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey and dozens of mayoral races in some of our country's most important cities.  The V3 campaign will partner to host town hall meetings, where nonprofit groups will convene to develop a better understanding of their shared interests and economic contributions. From this will come three or four "we're all in this together" questions that each candidate should be able to answer – preferably at a candidate forum held in each city.

The V3 Campaign will provide economic and staff support for these events and post materials and videos of each event so that others can easily learn and develop similar efforts in 2010 and beyond.

“So, welcome back,” Egger said. “This is the beginning of a bold new era in America's history. There is much to do. Join the effort. Send in your pictures for the Nonprofits Are Businesses Campaign. Reach out to V3 Campaign to become eligible for financial support to host town hall meeting or candidate forums. Spread the word ... and do it today.”