What would happen if PA human services organizations shut down?
A nearly five-month budget impasse has pushed Pennsylvania’s nonprofits to the brink. Forced to cut services, lay off critical staff and double their caseloads, these organizations are doing all they can to continue serving our state’s most vulnerable residents. While we are heartened that that latest news reports indicate there may be progress toward an agreement, we want to be sure that the negotiations deliver results as quickly as possible, and that state officials act on reforms to the budget process.
But what if nonprofits were to shut down?
Starting Nov. 12, The Pittsburgh Foundation and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania will be asking Pennsylvania’s human services nonprofits and their supporters to create an online “impact blizzard” in order to overwhelm lawmakers’ social media channels. This impact blizzard will empower nonprofits and the people they serve to state exactly what they do each year to help Pennsylvanians lead safe, happy, productive lives.
Over this two-week period, we will demonstrate how a nonprofit services impact the citizens of Pennsylvania if the current budget process in Harrisburg persists.
Using the hashtag #PAPeopleCount, share what would happen if your organization closed its doors. What are the services that will no longer be provided? How many families, individuals or children will be impacted? Where will they go? Don't forget to tag the governor and your legislator so that they can see the impact your organization has on their voters’ lives.
A nearly five-month budget impasse has pushed Pennsylvania’s nonprofits to the brink. Forced to cut services, lay off critical staff and double their caseloads, these organizations are doing all they can to continue serving our state’s most vulnerable residents. While we are heartened that that latest news reports indicate there may be progress toward an agreement, we want to be sure that the negotiations deliver results as quickly as possible, and that state officials act on reforms to the budget process.
But what if nonprofits were to shut down?
Starting Nov. 12, The Pittsburgh Foundation and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania will be asking Pennsylvania’s human services nonprofits and their supporters to create an online “impact blizzard” in order to overwhelm lawmakers’ social media channels. This impact blizzard will empower nonprofits and the people they serve to state exactly what they do each year to help Pennsylvanians lead safe, happy, productive lives.
Over this two-week period, we will demonstrate how a nonprofit services impact the citizens of Pennsylvania if the current budget process in Harrisburg persists.
Using the hashtag #PAPeopleCount, share what would happen if your organization closed its doors. What are the services that will no longer be provided? How many families, individuals or children will be impacted? Where will they go? Don't forget to tag the governor and your legislator so that they can see the impact your organization has on their voters’ lives.
Download materials to use on social media
The Pittsburgh Foundation is happy to provide you with materials to get you started including video stories, memes and letter ideas.
|
Contact your elected officials
Ready to contact your elected official? This section contains contact information and Twitter handles for appropriate state officials.
|
Social media tips to make your words count
Not sure how to get started with the #PAPeopleCount campaign. Check out some helpful tips.
|