The first six weeks of a new year pack a lot of punch for those of us involved in issue advocacy, and 2025 has already proven it is likely to take nonprofits on quite a rollercoaster ride. In Oklahoma, we have just started a new legislative session. There are so many firsts, with new leadership, fresh committee assignments and a large number of freshman legislators, all of whom are in the process of working through the more than 3,000 bills filed by the deadline last month. At the federal level, we are welcoming both a newly installed presidential administration and the 119th U.S. Congress. As you may have followed in the news, President Trump issued a number of Executive Orders upon taking office that are likely to have far-reaching implications not only for federal agencies but also for the thousands of nonprofits that depend on federal grants to provide critical services to Americans. Subsequently, the administration also announced a funding freeze, the implementation of which could have catastrophic consequences for these nonprofits and our neighbors who depend on them. We are all watching this closely and raising our voices to elected officials so they can understand the potential implications of these matters. On the bright side, this new congressional session has enabled our own U.S. Senator from Oklahoma James Lankford to introduce federal legislation that would benefit both nonprofits and taxpayers. The Charitable Act is designed to expand and extend the expired non-itemized deduction for charitable giving. The bill would ensure Americans who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations and other nonprofits of their choice are able to deduct that donation from their federal taxes at a higher level than the previous $300 deduction. All this newness brings opportunity for nonprofits and others who advocate in the public policy realm. We have the chance to educate leaders new to the space about our issues in ways that they can help serve their constituents that they may not even have known about when they took office. Whether through expertise or experience, we each have important value to bring to the democratic process. Each issue in front of us – or that is yet to rise before us – whether in Oklahoma or in Washington – has stakeholders who are in ardent support, passionate opposition or are varied degrees in between. And, as is often said in these circles, if you’re not at the table, then you’re probably on the menu. So, I hope you will join me in participating in the process and advocating in some way for the initiatives and causes that are close to our heads and hearts. Call your elected officials and let them know how you feel. Follow bills on the issues you care about and let them know how you want them to vote. Email your favorite nonprofit and ask how you can support their advocacy efforts. Together, we can all make a difference!