With the federal government shutdown stretching beyond 30 days, the impact on our communities is significant. Some nonprofits are experiencing increased demand for services, delayed funds for programs or projects, or clients losing benefits. Supports like food stamps and Section 8 vouchers are at risk as the pipeline of funding runs dry. I probably don’t have to tell you that most nonprofits do not have substantial reserves that would allow them to continue to operate for an extended period without the payments they receive from federal sources.
There are two ways you can help end the shutdown: tell your story and advocate.
5 Minute Advocacy Action
If your organization is impacted by the shutdown, or you just want the shutdown to end, please call, write, and/or tweet your officials in DC to tell them your story. They need to hear about the damage happening to their constituents so that they will resolve the shutdown. Contact information is:
- President Donald Trump: Email Form; @RealDonaldTrump
- Senator Patty Murray: (202) 224-2621; Email Form; @PattyMurray
- Senator Maria Cantwell: (202) 224-3441; Email Form; @SenatorCantwell
- Your House Member: Capitol Switchboard: (202) 225-3131; Web Page Links and Twitter Handles
When you tweet, be sure to use the hashtag #NonprofitShutdownStories and include @WANonprofits so we can re-tweet.
Share Your Story
Help our advocacy to end the shutdown by sharing your story with us. All you have to do is fill out this quick survey with a brief story about how the shutdown is impacting you. Our staff will reply with questions and ask permission before sharing. We need your stories about what is going on in Washington State so we can advocate for change.
NEW: Unemployment Assistance for Federal Workers
Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced yesterday that furloughed federal workers are now eligible for unemployment assistance from Washington State. Click here to learn more, and be sure to share the information with eligible federal workers.
We will continue to share information about this important issue. Thank you for acting to ensure that policymakers understand the shutdown’s impact.