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Policy Changes and Their Effects on Social Good Organizations

For social good organizations, the recent election and rhetoric have left many with a significant degree of uncertainty and fear about what lies ahead. Organizations focused on helping communities thrive through an array of social, environmental, and health programs are critical to a healthy nation. So what do we do during a shift in an administration that, through various policy promises, has indicated a disruption in our community and community-oriented programs. We have deeply thought about our partners, the days and weeks ahead, and how best to support the growing Thriving network. There is more to come on this topic, but for now, here are some immediate thoughts on how to prepare for 2025.


What Should One Know Following the Election 2024



Donald Trump's recent re-election as the 47th President of the United States points to significant policy changes ahead that social good organizations should start preparing for now.


Immediate Reactions on What to Expect and How to Prepare


Changes in Funding


Federal financing priorities are expected to change significantly, and social good organizations should think about how the changes will impact their capacity and financing. Policies adopted by the new government are highly likely to shift funding priorities for different social initiatives and campaigns.


What social good organizations can do now to prepare:


  • Be aware that government cutbacks are coming

  • Investigate broadening financing sources

  • Think about creative fundraising plans.


Environmental Concerns


Environmental organizations will likely need to adapt to significant changes in climate and conservation policies, due to the stated shift in climate policy by the President elect, governed by a disavowment of climate change, which will influence all climate and environmental programs.


What to start thinking about:


  • Assessing strategies for environmental advocacy

  • Developing new partnerships to amplify the impact

  • Developing infrastructure to engage local communities in environmental education and initiatives.


Immigration and Refugee Policies


Organizations dealing with immigration and refugees will be in highly uncertain and disruptive new terrain. The President elect campaigned on a policy of mass deportation, which will greatly impact all communities and millions of individuals.


Action to take now:


  • Build communication networks between aid groups

  • Create multilingual rights guides and emergency plans

  • Scale up legal support through hotlines and attorneys


Public Health and Healthcare


Healthcare social good organizations should be ready for any changes to healthcare policies, notably those concerning the Affordable Care Act.


Considerations


  • Modulating approaches to service delivery

  • Improving initiatives for healthcare access advocacy

  • Investigating creative approaches to satisfy local medical needs.


Policies Engagement and Advocacy


All social good organizations must boost their advocacy activities.


  • Collaborations with other organizations to amplify voice

  • Participating more actively in policy debates

  • Educating those who depend on policies about the possible effects of policy modifications.


Thriving in the New Terrain


While many uncertainties lie ahead, social good organizations can remain effective by thinking through:


  • Participating in thorough strategy planning to fit the changed political environment

  • Enhancing cross-sector cooperation and alliances

  • Using technology effectively to increase reach and efficiency.


Keeping Aiming for Mission


Social good organizations must, despite any difficulties:


  • Honor their fundamental goals and ideals

  • Keep pushing for the communities they help

  • Stay informed

  • Focus on supporting all community members through policy changes. Our shared humanity transcends politics.


All social good groups need to continue influencing the political environment and their communities by being informed, adjusting plans quickly and as needed, and concentrating on the key goals and mission.


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