Presenter: Joan Gustafson, External Affairs Officer, Michigan Nonprofit Association

Have you ever heard the expression, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”? If you aren’t part of the decision-making process, you will likely get left out, or worse yet, get served on the menu. We all know the importance of getting involved to make a difference – it’s part of our DNA. This couldn’t apply more than when we are talking about laws, regulation, and public policies that affect the charitable nonprofit community and their missions.  Every charitable nonprofit can and should make its voice heard on issues that are important to its mission and to the people or cause they serve.