Collaboration Between Policymakers and Nonprofits: A Vital Partnership for Supporting Pennsylvanians
The 2025 Freshman Legislators Briefing, hosted by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), brought together 15 nonprofit organizations, including United Way of Pennsylvania, to connect with newly elected legislators and discuss opportunities for collaboration in supporting Pennsylvanians. Representing United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211, Kim Amsler joined nonprofit leaders in welcoming legislators and emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships to serve communities effectively.
The briefing provided a unique opportunity for nonprofit representatives to meet with incoming legislators, introduce their organizations’ missions, and establish meaningful connections. These conversations laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, ensuring that legislators understand the critical role nonprofits play in supporting Pennsylvania residents.
Throughout the event, attendees highlighted the importance of working collectively to address pressing issues such as housing stability, childcare access, food security, and workforce development. PA 211, in collaboration with community service providers, continues to be a key resource in helping residents navigate these essential services. In 2024, PA 211 fielded nearly 250,000 interactions through calls, texts, and chats, with over 1.6 million searches conducted on its database. Despite these efforts, unmet needs remain a challenge. Many organizations shared data demonstrating gaps in services. The collective message was clear: stronger collaboration between nonprofits and policymakers is needed to ensure Pennsylvanians receive the support they need.
The Freshman Legislators Briefing reinforced the value of building and maintaining partnerships between the nonprofit sector and state leadership. By fostering open communication and collaboration, nonprofits and legislators can work together to address Pennsylvania’s most pressing challenges. The event underscored that long-term solutions require collective action. United Way of Pennsylvania and its nonprofit partners remain committed to working closely with lawmakers to strengthen support systems and ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to vital resources.
As Pennsylvania’s new legislators begin their terms, the relationships formed at the briefing serve as a foundation for future collaboration. Through ongoing dialogue and shared efforts, nonprofits and policymakers can continue to work hand in hand to create a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania.