I was drawn to politics from an early age. When Vice President Hubert Humphrey ran against Richard Nixon, I was in seventh grade. My English teacher organized a classroom debate, but no one volunteered to speak for Humphrey. So, I raised my hand. I grew up in a family of yellow-dog Democrats. Who else would I represent?
One of my most vivid memories from that time was preparing my speech. My mother—an ardent Democrat—fully supported her daughter’s early political ambitions. Though the outcome is blurry, I think I lost the debate. But my interest in politics never left me.
Over the years, I’ve stayed engaged: choosing candidates, wrestling with party platforms, and showing up at the polls.
Today, I feel as uneasy as I did in seventh grade.
From National Noise to Local Urgency
The shake-rattle-and-roll decisions coming out of Washington, D.C., are dizzying. Daily headlines announce new changes, and our communities feel the ripple effects. It’s driving me to reflect deeply on the value and urgency of local politics.
As Tip O’Neill famously said, “All politics is local.”
Nonprofits—especially those serving vulnerable populations—are bracing themselves. Federal and state budget cuts are hitting close to home, and donor fatigue is real.
A stark example recently hit the headlines: “Federal budget cuts, freezes affect 500 tons of food destined for East Texas Food Bank.”
That’s not just a budget line item—it’s over one million pounds of food lost to local families. The food bank now needs more than $870,000 in donations to make up the shortfall. The need is urgent, and the impact is real.
That’s my local story, but wherever you live, nonprofits are already feeling the pain—or fearing it is just around the corner.
Why Local Leaders Matter Right Now
In these uncertain times, local leadership matters more than ever. The strongest local leaders:
- Understand how national policy impacts everyday life
- Champion vulnerable families, seniors, and those seeking work or housing
- Invest their time, social capital, and political will into solutions
- Work hand-in-hand with nonprofit partners to meet community needs
The health of a community is woven by and from its people. Schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces shape the fabric—but the needs of those who struggle must also be part of the picture. Our local leaders must be deeply connected to those realities.
What to Look for in Local Candidates
As election season approaches, we’ll hear from candidates running for city council, school boards, and more. Pay close attention—not just to what they say but to how they lead.
Strong local leaders:
- Balance history and tradition with innovation and change
- Build inclusive visions for the future
- Align personal integrity with shared community values
- Go beyond slogans and soundbites to real-world solutions
- Wear many hats—adapting in times of crisis or uncertainty
- Embrace innovation, from technology use to cost-effective services
- Prioritize open, solution-oriented dialogue
- Foster collaboration across sectors
Break Down the Silos
Suzanne Smith, a fellow nonprofit blogger, puts it well: “Breaking down the walls of our siloed thinking—e.g., healthcare vs. education or nonprofit vs. business—has been recognized as a solution to our inefficiency at addressing complex, cross-cutting social problems.”
Our communities need leaders who see the big picture and bring sectors together to solve deeply interconnected issues.
Generosity at the Ballot Box
As donors and philanthropists, we care about people—especially those who are struggling. That care must show up in more than our giving. It should show up at the ballot box too.
We vote not just for candidates but for the kind of community we want to live in:
- One where emergency services are reliable
- One where education and healthcare are accessible
- One where every neighbor can thrive
Who we elect at the local level will shape how we respond to this moment—and how we prepare for what’s next.
The Road Ahead
Generosity is more than a charitable act. It’s a way of being invested—in the well-being of our community, in the leadership we choose, and in the values we uphold.
We all have a role to play. Let’s ensure we have the best possible leaders guiding great, generous communities.
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