Guest post by Kristin Hurdle, director state policy, of the YMCA of the USA

Thinking ahead to next year, the Public Policy Action Institute wrapped up this morning with a Presidential Debate. No, there wasn’t Rick Perry, Herman Cain, or Mitt Romney on stage. 

Actors from the Sojourn Theatre played seven fictional candidates running for President in 2012. It was a chance for PPAI participants to think about the issues we’ve discussed the past day and half and prep our fictional candidate.

Each candidate opened with a one minute statement about the Independent Sector. Jobs, partnerships, and communicating about our sector’s benefit to the community were common themes. Candidate six pledged to “give voice to the voiceless.”

Candidate three reminded us that “the nonprofit sector predates the Declaration of Independence.” Our brave candidates then faced a demanding press corps. Candidates – with back-up from our participants –a defended charitable deductions and proposed a special West Wing advisor on nonprofits. Closing thoughts for this closing session focused on our sector’s common values and vision – from a common language and messaging to common policy priorities.

Thanks to Nonprofit Vote for sponsoring this session, thanks to Sojourn Theater – the artists-in-residence at this conference, and, of course, thanks to Independent Sector.