Giving Thanks to Our Advocates

By Laura Walling, Senior Director of Government Relations, Goodwill Industries International

As we reflect on the things for which we are thankful during this holiday season, we at Goodwill Industries International are giving thanks for you — our advocates. Regardless of your connection to Goodwill, you volunteer your voice to speak up on behalf of those who face challenges to employment. You educate policymakers about the mission of Goodwill and the impact of their decisions on those we serve. You call and write your lawmakers utilizing GII’s Legislative Action Center, read our blogs and interact with us on social media via @GoodwillCapHill. You share your stories about the importance of federal job training programs and how you have been impacted by the mission of Goodwill. You make a difference.

We’ve had a number of successes this year, particularly as we continue to recover from the pandemic. With your support, critical access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans was expanded, federal funding trickled down to states and was turned into grants for service providers, and a bipartisan infrastructure bill became a law that will create jobs, expand broadband access and strengthen digital skills training.

On top of these great efforts, there is still more work to be done. Our services continue to be of great importance to communities, and your support has never mattered more. As Congress continues to negotiate further investments in workforce development programs and how to best provide the holistic supports for people to advance in their careers — including childcare, housing, food security, healthcare, and access to education — we will continue to rely on your insights, experiences, relationships and engagement to further advance our work.

Thank you for your continued advocacy.