To be a part of a non-profit organization is to participate in a mission greater than oneself—an endeavor rooted in public service, community upliftment, and a commitment to the common good. I’ve had the honor of serving as Chairperson of the Valley Wellness Association (now defunct) and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Women Presidents Organization Foundation—two remarkable groups dedicated to enhancing lives and empowering individuals. These experiences have shown me firsthand how profoundly impactful non-profit work can be, and how much integrity and effort it requires.
Non-profit status is not simply a label. It is a designation granted only after rigorous scrutiny, ongoing accountability, and a demonstrated dedication to public benefit over private gain. Maintaining that status demands transparency, compliance, and an unwavering focus on mission-driven goals. It is a trust extended by the public and the government alike—a recognition that the organization exists not to profit, but to serve.
These organizations don’t just fill gaps—they build bridges. Undermining their legitimacy for political expediency jeopardizes not only their work, but the trust that countless communities place in them. The non-profit status is hard-earned, carefully maintained, and vital to our collective well-being. It must be protected—not politicized.