Why Partnerships Matter: How Government and Nonprofits Can Foster a Culture of Innovation in Public Service Delivery
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Winnie Mwayi
April 15, 2024
What comes to mind when you think of public service delivery in America? If you’re like me, you probably have a mixed bag of feelings. On the one hand, you appreciate the essential services that the government provides such as health care, education, transportation and security. On the other hand, you may also feel frustrated by the inefficiencies, delays and bureaucracy that often plague the public sector. You may wonder why it takes so long to get a driver’s license, a passport or a tax refund. You may question whether your tax dollars are being spent wisely and effectively. You may wish for more transparency, accountability and innovation in the way public services are delivered.
Partnerships between nonprofits and the government can lead to innovations in the field of public service. Nonprofits have for a long time been strategic partners for public service, helping the government achieve both flagship and smaller-scale projects for the public good.
Innovation and Public Service
Innovations in this context are new ways of solving social problems, improving the quality of life for people and creating positive change in our communities. I have experienced the power of nonprofits in empowering communities through volunteering and internships. In the heart of North Carolina, nonprofits in the Piedmont Triad region are not just filling gaps—they’re bridging communities and igniting change. My journey with these organizations has been a testament to the power of collaboration in pursuit of economic prosperity and a healthier nation, as envisioned by Healthy People 2030.
So how do partnerships between nonprofits and the government help with innovations in public service? One way is by sharing resources and expertise. Nonprofits often have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of the communities they serve, while the government has access to funding, data and policy tools. By combining their strengths, they can create more effective and efficient solutions.
Fostering learning and collaboration is another way to bring innovations in public service. Nonprofits and the government can learn from each other’s experiences, best practices and challenges. They can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as businesses, academia and civil society, to create a more holistic and inclusive approach to public service.
Power of Partnerships
A key benefit of nonprofits working with the government is that they can help shape and execute better public health policies. Nonprofits often have more expertise, experience and trust in the communities they serve than government agencies. For example, after years of seemingly endless lobbying with stakeholders, North Carolina became the 41st state in the United States to adopt the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion when Governor Roy Cooper signed legislation in 2023. Expansion will be implemented in conjunction with other major delivery system reforms and activities to address social determinants of health and reduce disparities.
During one of my internships, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony of a new heart and vascular center in Alamance County in North Carolina. This event wasn’t just about laying foundation; it was about planting hope. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Having experienced loss of loved ones from cardiovascular disease, I know too well just how close home the statistics can hit. Construction of the heart and vascular center in Alamance County and many other healthcare expansion programs in the United States serve not only as beacons of hope for health equity, but also as symbols of what public and nonprofit sectors can achieve together.
Granted, we are living at a time when the collective heartbeat of the nation seems to be irregular, but it’s also when the true power of unity shines through. Amidst the upcoming election’s fervor, where democracy itself feels the strain of polarized views and inflation gnaws at the edges of our wallets, economic stability continues to be the thread that weaves through every aspect of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stable economy means fewer worries about the cost of living and medical expenses leading to a healthier, happier community. But even as we strive to find the ever-elusive work-life balance from all of life’s competing priorities, I can’t help but notice an unwavering spirit that’s keeping our communities marching forward. Now more than ever, nonprofits and the public sector, in their unique roles, have the opportunity to turn stress into synergy, to transform economic pressure into progressive partnerships.
When all is said and done, it’s easy (and sometimes even fun!) to point fingers at the government whenever our systems fail. I mean, it’s tax dollars, right? But let’s not forget how powerful each one of us can be at individual level. Volunteering is a great way to play your part in addressing issues that matter to you. As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded that it is not just about the projects we complete, but the lives we touch and the communities we uplift. Together, we are the architects of a healthier and more prosperous future, one partnership at a time.
Author: Winnie Mwayi may be reached at [email protected].
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Why Partnerships Matter: How Government and Nonprofits Can Foster a Culture of Innovation in Public Service Delivery
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Winnie Mwayi
April 15, 2024
What comes to mind when you think of public service delivery in America? If you’re like me, you probably have a mixed bag of feelings. On the one hand, you appreciate the essential services that the government provides such as health care, education, transportation and security. On the other hand, you may also feel frustrated by the inefficiencies, delays and bureaucracy that often plague the public sector. You may wonder why it takes so long to get a driver’s license, a passport or a tax refund. You may question whether your tax dollars are being spent wisely and effectively. You may wish for more transparency, accountability and innovation in the way public services are delivered.
Partnerships between nonprofits and the government can lead to innovations in the field of public service. Nonprofits have for a long time been strategic partners for public service, helping the government achieve both flagship and smaller-scale projects for the public good.
Innovation and Public Service
Innovations in this context are new ways of solving social problems, improving the quality of life for people and creating positive change in our communities. I have experienced the power of nonprofits in empowering communities through volunteering and internships. In the heart of North Carolina, nonprofits in the Piedmont Triad region are not just filling gaps—they’re bridging communities and igniting change. My journey with these organizations has been a testament to the power of collaboration in pursuit of economic prosperity and a healthier nation, as envisioned by Healthy People 2030.
So how do partnerships between nonprofits and the government help with innovations in public service? One way is by sharing resources and expertise. Nonprofits often have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of the communities they serve, while the government has access to funding, data and policy tools. By combining their strengths, they can create more effective and efficient solutions.
Fostering learning and collaboration is another way to bring innovations in public service. Nonprofits and the government can learn from each other’s experiences, best practices and challenges. They can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as businesses, academia and civil society, to create a more holistic and inclusive approach to public service.
Power of Partnerships
A key benefit of nonprofits working with the government is that they can help shape and execute better public health policies. Nonprofits often have more expertise, experience and trust in the communities they serve than government agencies. For example, after years of seemingly endless lobbying with stakeholders, North Carolina became the 41st state in the United States to adopt the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion when Governor Roy Cooper signed legislation in 2023. Expansion will be implemented in conjunction with other major delivery system reforms and activities to address social determinants of health and reduce disparities.
During one of my internships, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony of a new heart and vascular center in Alamance County in North Carolina. This event wasn’t just about laying foundation; it was about planting hope. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Having experienced loss of loved ones from cardiovascular disease, I know too well just how close home the statistics can hit. Construction of the heart and vascular center in Alamance County and many other healthcare expansion programs in the United States serve not only as beacons of hope for health equity, but also as symbols of what public and nonprofit sectors can achieve together.
Granted, we are living at a time when the collective heartbeat of the nation seems to be irregular, but it’s also when the true power of unity shines through. Amidst the upcoming election’s fervor, where democracy itself feels the strain of polarized views and inflation gnaws at the edges of our wallets, economic stability continues to be the thread that weaves through every aspect of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stable economy means fewer worries about the cost of living and medical expenses leading to a healthier, happier community. But even as we strive to find the ever-elusive work-life balance from all of life’s competing priorities, I can’t help but notice an unwavering spirit that’s keeping our communities marching forward. Now more than ever, nonprofits and the public sector, in their unique roles, have the opportunity to turn stress into synergy, to transform economic pressure into progressive partnerships.
When all is said and done, it’s easy (and sometimes even fun!) to point fingers at the government whenever our systems fail. I mean, it’s tax dollars, right? But let’s not forget how powerful each one of us can be at individual level. Volunteering is a great way to play your part in addressing issues that matter to you. As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded that it is not just about the projects we complete, but the lives we touch and the communities we uplift. Together, we are the architects of a healthier and more prosperous future, one partnership at a time.
Author: Winnie Mwayi may be reached at [email protected].
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