Share Your Story to Shape Policies That Affect the Poor
SONYA STEARNS
Network Manager
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Long-serving charity workers from churches and nonprofits understand that the systems affecting poverty are complex and often broken. If one is not careful, a sense of helplessness can take root when trying to lead others toward flourishing lives.
But feeling helpless won’t change anything. Sharing your success stories can. You can affect the systems. You can usher more people toward flourishing lives. And you can do that by actively communicating with lawmakers as they craft legislation to help the poor.
Very few elected legislators have experience in poverty alleviation. That’s why you must shed light on what is happening “on the ground.” Indeed, due to the lack of true “boots-on-the-ground” counsel, poor laws and harmful policies abound in our nation, and without our help, they will only increase.
True Charity’s roots stem from co-founders James and Marsha Whitford’s desire to see lasting change in the lives of those they’ve served through Watered Gardens Ministries. During their 25 years of serving the homeless in Joplin, Missouri, they’ve seen firsthand how disconnected government programs and toxic charity harm those who need a compassionate hand-up instead of a transactional hand-out.
Indeed, True Charity’s tagline encapsulates what the Whitfords envisioned 25 years ago: Real Compassion. Real Results.
To facilitate real results through real compassion, the Whitfords knew they had to influence the lawmakers who enacted policies that caused real harm to people. So they took their first steps to influence decision-makers — and one of them was starting True Charity.
Today, the True Charity movement has moved well beyond Joplin. In fact, the True Charity Network has over 250 churches, nonprofits, and foundations that influence 34 states and three other countries.
True Charity has four overarching commitments:
- Make life affordable: Oppose policies that serve special interests like restrictive zoning, protectionism, and irresponsible government spending.
- Minimize barriers to enterprise: Support the removal of excessive occupational licensing requirements, regulatory capture, and labor laws that discourage hiring.
- Eliminate perverse incentives: Reinforce programs that encourage work, savings, marriage, and the capacity of individuals to contribute to their communities.
- Strengthen civil society: Encourage policies that protect church, nonprofit, and civic groups’ ability to operate without unreasonable constraints.
Every network organization has the opportunity to champion these principles in various ways.
First, they can share their experiences and insights through TC’s periodic legislative surveys. True Charity forwards their responses to national policy organizations* that focus on reform.
For instance, in March of 2025, network members were asked to share their insights about proposed restrictions on sodas and sugary snacks in the SNAP program. Twenty-eight people representing 26 organizations and 13 states responded.
Because of his response to that survey and the resulting connection with one of our policy partners, TC Network Member John Ramthun of 6:8 Ministries testified before Wisconsin legislators on the issue. And several other respondents were connected with a national journalist conducting research for an upcoming series of poverty-related articles.
Second, network member individuals can volunteer to become a Voice for True Charity, so when an opportunity to testify before their state legislators arises, they will be notified. The list of “Voices” is available to policy partners* so they can call upon members when needed.
That happened to William Tollett, Executive Director of Harrison House of Hope, who volunteered as a Voice for True Charity and was subsequently featured in an Opportunity Arkansas article.
Third, network organizations can learn how to testify effectively by visiting a page on their member portal dedicated to equipping them. On that page, friends from the Foundation for Government Accountability give practical training on how to testify before policymakers, and James Whitford discusses how to share personal, boots-on-the-ground stories.
And if testifying seems intimidating, be encouraged. Showing up and sharing your experiences can make a big difference. Even if you feel your opinion is in the minority, your views matter!
Keep in mind that being indifferent isn’t an option. The Bible commands us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Formulating your stance on poverty-related laws and systems will also shape your charity work for the better. Articulating what is true in your work and what is not will help focus your efforts toward long-term, developmental outcomes instead of short-term transactional success.
Lastly, if you’re part of a TC Network organization, join the annual Virtual Policy Forum on Friday, September 5, at noon central. Patrick Tuohey of the Better Cities Project will lead a discussion about government systems surrounding poverty, work, and welfare programs — and how you can influence local community policy. You’ll learn why your voice matters, which policies are ripe for reform, and how to approach city leaders with your ideas for change.
So stop feeling helpless about the broken systems surrounding poverty and start feeling hopeful about what is possible! Become more involved with legislators in your area. Give them a call or send them an email. Get informed. Connect with people who want to implement better policy. And then share your story.
*Policy workers who would like to become more involved with our True Charity Network Members are encouraged to contact True Charity.
