Selected Publications and Working Papers
Jeffrey M. Berry, American Politics, Political Behavior
with David F. Arons
 A
Voice for Nonprofits
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 effortseven
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 organizationsand the constituencies they
serveare 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.
|
