Why I joined Pinion

Ever learn about something new and think, “Why doesn’t this already exist?!”

I did when I read about Pinion’s idea to simplify civic engagement: a single nonpartisan platform to weigh in on legislation before your elected officials vote on it. Not just the bills in your news feed – the ones that rarely make headlines, too. One tool to share your opinion: how much each bill matters to you, and why.

Pinion is not only a tool I want for my own personal civic engagement, but I also want it for charities. After 23 years in corporate philanthropy, I saw firsthand that donations have the most impact on nonprofits built on a solid foundation of good policy and adequate government funding.

Unlike their for-profit counterparts, charitable nonprofits can’t influence policy through political donations. However, they can (and do) have relationships with elected officials. They can organize campaigns for their supporters to weigh in on legislation. It’s my personal opinion that they should do more; unfortunately, nonprofits are too busy raising money and helping people to do the advocacy work that could make their work infinitely better.

Take hunger. Having worked with member food banks in the Feeding America network for over 15 years, I know the pending Farm Bill directly impacts philanthropy’s ability to fight hunger because it pays for food assistance programs. More funding from taxpayer dollars? Donations go further! Less funding? Private donations need to increase. And there are 12 other federal bills and government actions plus 13 at the state level that are related to feeding people in need. Hunger-fighting nonprofits will respond whether the outcomes are positive or negative, but there isn't an easy way for staff and donors to express opinions before decisions are made.

If only there were a simple platform where nonprofits could encourage their supporters to weigh in on policy.

For reasons like those, I saw Pinion as something that is needed and long overdue. So, I joined the effort to bring it to life! It’s a passion project for everyone so far – we’re not drawing salaries. I hope you’re curious enough to check it out. Watch the video below and sign up to be notified when Pinion’s Kickstarter launches.

Questions about my role with Pinion? Email me! Gretchen.Long@PinionVote.com