PUBLIC POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Nonprofits provide an important vehicle through which individuals organize and work together to improve their communities. Nonprofits should represent the interests of the people they serve through public education and public policy advocacy, as well as by encouraging board members, staff, volunteers and constituents to participate in the public affairs of the community.

A. Public Policy Advocacy

(1) Nonprofits should have a written policy on advocacy defining the process by which the organization determines positions on specific issues.

B. Public Education

(1) Nonprofits should assure that any educational information provided to the media or distributed to the public is factually accurate and provides sufficient contextual information to be understood.

C. Promoting Public Participation

(1) Nonprofits engaged in promoting public participation in community affairs shall be diligent in assuring that the activities of the organization are strictly nonpartisan.