 Jeffrey M. Berry -
American Politics, Political Behavior
A Voice for Nonprofits
with David F. Arons
Synopsis:
Nonprofit organizations are playing an increasingly important role in
delivering basic government services. Yet they are discouraged by
federal law from participating in legislative lobbying efforts—even on
issues that affect their clients directly. Without the involvement of
nonprofits in the governmental process, the vulnerable populations
they serve are left without effective representation in the political
system. A Voice for Nonprofits analyzes the effect of government
restrictions on the participation of nonprofits in the policymaking
process and suggests ways to address the problems.
The relationship between nonprofits and the government is ideal in
many respects, according to Jeffrey M. Berry and David F. Arons. By
underwriting operating budgets and subcontracting the administration
of programs to nonprofits, governments at all levels are able to take
advantage of nonprofits’ dedication, imagination, and private
fund-raising skills. However, as nonprofits assume greater
responsibility for delivering services traditionally provided by
government, that responsibility is not matched by a congruous increase
in policy influence. Berry and Arons believe the lobbying restrictions
should be eased so that nonprofits may become more involved in public
policymaking. Their recommendations are designed to ensure that
nonprofit organizations—and the constituencies they serve—are
effectively represented in the American political system.
Visit the
Brookings Institution Press website to order this book. Table of
Contents and Chapter 1 "The Age of Nonprofits" are available for
preview.
Back to Prof. Berry's bio page.
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