Highlights from Goodwill on the Hill

On Thursday, April 11, more than 100 representatives from local Goodwill organizations across the United States — including executives, board members, program participants, and other advocates — met with Members of Congress and staff for Goodwill’s annual Goodwill on the Hill (formerly known as Advocacy Day). Advocates discussed three key topics including: protecting federal funding for job-training and workforce development programs, the impact of tax reform on the nonprofit sector, and the need to provide back pay to federal contractors impacted by the government shutdown.

A Virtual Advocacy Day was also held to allow those who couldn’t join us on Capitol Hill in person to help amplify our message. The virtual event gave a potential reach of 1.8 million impressions on social media. You can view the photos and messages yourself on Twitter @GoodwillCapHill and search #GoodwillOnHill.

Prior to hitting the Hill, advocates attended a breakfast rally where 11 members of Congress were named GII Policymaker Leaders, along with Reginald Hughes, Executive Director of Palmetto Goodwill Services (Charleston, SC) and Joanne Hilferty, President and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill (Boston, MA), who received the GII Advocacy Leader Award. The recipients were selected for their work and support toward advancing Goodwill’s mission.

The three U.S. Senators and eight members of the House of Representatives joining the list of 55 Goodwill champions who have received the award since 2010, include:

• Senator John Kennedy (R-LA)
• Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)
• Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
• Representative Robert Woodall (R-GA-07)
• Representative Mark Walker (R-NC-06)
• Representative Richard Neal (D-MA-01)
• Representative Earl Leroy “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01)
• Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA-04)
• Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH-15)
• Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03)
• Representative Kay Granger (R-TX-12)

The annual advocacy event provides a great opportunity for the Goodwill network to come together with one voice to educate lawmakers and staff about Goodwill, equipping them with the information they need to make informed decisions when drafting legislation, and influencing their votes on policies that affect Goodwill and the people and communities they serve.