Nonprofit Organizations: Influencing Politics

Currently, nonprofit organizations are the fastest growing organization in the World. They only date back to the 1970s. They can range from being owned by one person and little products going out, to them being multibillion dollar foundations. Most nonprofit organizations provide goods and services like charitable, educational, and religious ones (Hall par. 3). Services are meant to meet the needs of the people and help the surrounding communities like providing food, helping animals, and protecting the environment (Ingram par. 5). Some may also engage in mail campaigns and have events for fundraisers (Ingram par. 4). Non-profit organizations are funded and supported by donations, many also receive most or all of their funds from the government

The first reason why nonprofit organizations are so influential is because they are huge communication platform. They are able to put information out there on who they are supporting and why to vote for that political group. They are able to put the information out there quickly by utilizing social media sites like Twitter and Facebook (Farber par. 7). Another way they influence politics is by being so trustworthy. Why political groups trust nonprofit organizations is because nonprofit organizations state that it is their constitutional right to free speech and to achieve their goals. They will support the political group that supports their beliefs (Lyons par. 5). Also, political groups see nonprofit organizations as a trusted, third party due to they are not involved in the issues, so political groups can go to them for help (Farber par. 8). Nonprofit organizations then can use the information given by the political party to find out what the community is looking for, and help influence the community on what political group to support. Nonprofit organizations are also part of the community, over ten percent of the workforce is part of a nonprofit organization. So if the political group gets the support of that nonprofit organization, they are getting the support of that community group also (Farber par.

One example would be efforts from the Salvation Army. They are a nonprofit organization that provides many services. The first service they provide are meals and food to people in a hard spot in their life. Volunteers make the meals and set up stations that are available to people who qualify for the extra help (Basic par. 2). The Anti-hunger organization also helps increase public awareness and provide meals to people in need just like the salvation army (Food par.1). Another service is rent assistance, people may hit a crisis or a rough spot and they can fill out a rent assistance plan. That plan is provided by the Salvation Army from their funds and they assist people in tough spots get back on track with rent bills (Basic par. 3). People may have problems finding jobs to support themselves. The Salvation Army has a program that places people in employment to help them start receiving a steady income (Basic par.4). Some people have trouble finding a job, what the salvation army does is look at their credentials and what skill set they have and place them in the correct environment. Another program they offer is medical assistance. A major accident may happen and some people may not be able to pay the bills right away. If they qualify they can sign up for the medical assistance program to help them get back on their feet (Basic par. 6). The last program is Veteran assistance, this is where they