September 9, 2025
Nonprofits offer important building blocks for creating and sustaining a democratic society—and engaging volunteers helps nonprofits advance their democratic mission. In the sixth (and final) article in our series The Unexpected Value of Volunteers, author Jan Masaoka highlights how nonprofit volunteerism contributes to our society.
Even journalism relies to some degree on the experience, expertise, or good faith of volunteers. Some news media ecosystems, such as those for and by Asian American Pacific Islander communities, have continued to evolve and push for AAPI participation in US democracy, despite repeated eras of discrimination and xenophobia. An article from NPQ’s latest series, The New Asian Diaspora Media: Defending Democracy Locally and Globally, co-produced with Kavitha Rajagopalan, looks at the crucial role of AAPI community journalism today.
Equally important to democratic society is a freely educated population. Teachers hold a vital role in the United States, but interest in the field is declining. Indiana and other states are reacting to the teacher shortage crisis as federal support for education is particularly strained.
The strain on education doesn’t end with teachers. The Trump administration is pushing for changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that could destabilize nonprofits by disincentivizing public service careers. But there’s still time to let your voice be heard. Comments are due to the Department of Education by September 17, and the National Council of Nonprofits provides a public comment guide.
In solidarity,
Coty Poynter
Managing Editor
