My career over the last 30 years has been in service to the nonprofit sector, and my childhood was focused on volunteerism because caring for others was at the heart of both my faith and how my parents raised my brothers and me.
Engaging in community is fundamental to who I am.
I began wondering about running for office more than 10 years ago, and I participated in a program called Vote Run Lead. I was also a founding member of the Matriots, which was formed after the Women’s March in Washington in 2017, which I also attended.
A dear friend suggested I join a public board or commission while I decided if I would run, and so I did. Serving on the board of zoning appeals was a fascinating way to learn about local government and my community’s local elected officials and administrators. In time, and after meeting with township leaders and my friends and trusted advisors, I ran for Plain Township Trustee in 2021 as a first-time candidate. I beat an incumbent and was sworn in on my wedding anniversary on January 2, 2022.
I am seeking re-election for my second term as trustee on November 4. The League of Women Voters does an exceptional job of sharing candidate and issue information each election cycle. My answers to their questions can be found on their Vote 411 website. It’s an honor to serve with the fire chiefs and our township administrator as these servant leaders are doing incredibly important work. As our fire department’s mission statement states, together, we save lives.
What does all this have to do with the nonprofit sector?
I hope more nonprofit leaders run for office because understanding local government and getting to know stakeholders and members of the community in new and different ways will help you better manage and serve your organization while learning the nuances and complexities of the public sector. Nonprofits rely on public funding, are impacted by public policy, and often engage in public-private partnerships. More nonprofit leaders at the table on public boards, commissions, and in elected roles would serve the community well.
Our democracy requires that everyday citizens say “yes” to service. It’s how our society functions.
- Consider volunteer coaches like my running mate, Hans Schell, who are the backbone of youth sports and recreation programs. Can you imagine the cost, and how few youth would be able to participate, if municipalities and parks couldn’t rely on volunteers?
- Consider how many elected positions are part-time – school board members, township trustees, township fiscal officers, city councilmembers, county commissioners, state representatives, state senators, and more. We often think of full-time positions like governor when we think about elected office, but the vast majority of positions are held by people like me, balancing careers, families, and other obligations.
- Consider the time commitment, compensation structure of the role, and length of term. Nonprofit leaders work long hours in service to their organization’s mission, so adding one more thing to their plate may seem impossible. Assess the various roles to consider what is most feasible for you, including whether the role includes a salary and benefits, and how often it meets. You may be surprised.
- Consider the fundraising commitment to mount a campaign, and don’t let that intimidate you. Nonprofit leaders know how to raise money; that’s for certain, and some wonderful people and organizations will help and support you. And, the resource commitment needed will vary widely depending on the role. We must bust the notion that only high-net-worth individuals should run for office. I don’t think that’s healthy.
Thank you to all public servants who serve their communities and to all nonprofit leaders who are working under rapidly changing and difficult conditions. Feel free to reach out to me with questions, and I hope you consider how you can say yes.
