Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter spoke on the importance of civic engagement by nonprofits at the Nonprofit Capitol Exchange held March 2, 2010 at the Sulloway & Hollis law firm in Concord.  “Democracy is not a spectator sport.  If nonprofits put your voices together, you will be heard.”  Representative Shea-Porter’s conversation with nonprofit leaders covered a broad range of issues of concern to New Hampshire’s nonprofits including health care reform, which she predicts will happen.

Congresswoman Shea-Porter told the audience that significant work was ongoing to address health care delivery reform. Commenting on the recent Supreme Court decision regarding corporate free speech, Congresswoman Shea-Porter noted that 80% of elected officials were unhappy with the recent Supreme Court decision and many bills have been introduced to address it and that her favorite is the Fair Elections Now bill. Asked about the most effective way for nonprofits to communicate with her on issues, the Congresswoman replied that letters, emails and phone calls would all receive a response and that coming to Town Hall meetings and to Washington D.C. are also helpful.  She said, “I certainly would not be quiet on any of the issues. Everyone should be involved.”  She noted that lobbying is helpful in that it provides her with ideas and information and that nonprofits can and should participate. She encouraged nonprofits to continue communicating and speaking out on issues, saying they would not just be “spitting into the wind.” “We all need to hear you,” she said.