Like many of you and the organizations you run, Independent Sector has spent time thinking about how to respond to emerging policy proposals in a rapidly shifting political environment. At a time when so many pieces seem to be in motion, we felt it was very important to stake out a few, core positions that felt both authentic and solidly grounded in our community.
We turned to our Public Policy Committee for counsel and worked with committee members to lay out a bedrock set of beliefs on tax and spending policies that could then be used to inform future positions on policy initiatives.
The Statement of Beliefs, which was ultimately approved by both the Policy Committee and the IS Board, was first circulated to members last week. Since then we have used it to inform an IS statement on the Trump Administration’s budget proposal on March 16.
We have received several questions from interested members about how we came to settle on this approach. Others have wondered about the process we used to develop these beliefs. Still others have asked if the IS beliefs statement can be adopted by other organizations.
In the end, each of us will find the way that best works for our organizations as we navigate this dynamic policy environment. This beliefs framework is the approach that worked best for Independent Sector. We are happy to learn that this work has gotten others thinking about what sort of approach will work best for them.
If you are interested in learning more about our tax and spending beliefs – how we developed them and how we are putting them to use – please let us know by filling out this short form. If we sense a strong and growing interest, we will hold a digital learning event in April to share our experience and respond to your thoughts and questions.
In the meantime, don’t hesitate to email me with any other questions.
Jeff Moore is the chief strategy officer of Independent Sector.
