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- Be a Virtual Advocate During Goodwill on the Hill
Be a Virtual Advocate During Goodwill on the Hill
By Laura Walling, Vice President of Government Affairs, Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
On Thursday, April 23rd, Goodwill leaders, employees, board members and program participants from across the country will travel to Capitol Hill to advocate for the issues that matter most to local Goodwill organizations and the people they serve. You can help amplify our advocacy.
Virtual advocacy is a powerful tool to communicate with elected officials. According to the Congressional Management Foundation, 98% of lawmakers view this communication as extremely important and effective.
During Goodwill on the Hill on April 23 we will call on all Goodwill advocates to send messages to Congress, either through a letter or a social media post, about important issues and to support our colleagues advocating in person. Our advocates will be asking Congress to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and protect funding for workforce development and job training programs. They’ll also educate lawmakers about Goodwill’s role in the circular economy.
These issues are timely. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is due for reauthorization. With a proven track record of delivering strong employment outcomes—particularly for people seeking to reskill or upskill—local Goodwill organizations should play an essential role in the design, implementation, and long-term success of the WIOA-funded workforce system.
The President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget calls for a 26% ($3.5 billion) cut to the U.S. Department of Labor and reduces domestic program funding. Yet, the American workforce must continuously reskill and upskill to remain globally competitive and support sustained economic growth.
Goodwill plays a significant role in powering the circular economy by being one of the largest collectors of used goods and promoters of reuse. As Congress works to resolve issues around textile waste and boost domestic supply chains of critical minerals, policies designed to reduce the waste of valuable materials must recognize and safeguard this progress and be informed by on-the-ground expertise of organizations like Goodwill.
Every voice matters, and we invite you to TAKE ACTION with us on April 23. Resources will be provided through the GII Legislative Action Center. Click here to register. Stay tuned for more information and resources on these important issues.
