DMA Nonprofit Federation Calls on Congress to Pass Postal Reform

September 29, 2006 — The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) is urging members of Congress to complete work on postal reform legislation.

“The mail is perhaps the most important tool for nonprofits seeking to connect with potential donors and volunteers,” said DMANF Executive Director Senny Boone. “So of course, preserving the long term health and stability of the US Postal Service is extremely important to America’s charitable organizations.”

Charitable and nonprofit organizations usually work with limited resources, and direct mail fundraising is a key method of generating the revenue necessary to carry out their important missions. Direct mail is also used frequently to recruit volunteers and to educate the public, about important issues.

“Direct marketing, primarily via the mail, helped charities and nonprofits raise nearly $200 billion in 2005,” said Boone. “And even though nonprofit organizations are able to send mail at reduced rates, postage costs are still a major expense for nonprofit organizations, and the financial health of the Postal Service can ultimately have a huge impact on the ability of nonprofits to connect effectively with donors.”

With rate increases taking effect earlier this year, and further increases expected in 2007, the need for postal reform is urgent. Increased postal rates force nonprofits to reallocate portions of their budgets, siphoning away vital resources that could be used toward program activities.

The much-needed reforms currently being considered by Congress will not only allow the Postal Service to continue providing the services nonprofits need at rates they can afford, in the bigger picture, reforms will help the Postal Service to remain financially viable and competitive in today’s rapidly changing communications landscape. Without postal reform, postal revenues are likely to decline, ultimately forcing cuts in service for businesses, nonprofits and consumers alike.

DMA and DMANF Call on Members to Contact their Members of Congress.

Boone joined DMA President & CEO John A. Greco, Jr. in urging DMANF members to contact their US Senators and Representatives, urging them to act now on postal reform legislation.

Earlier this week, Greco told DMA members in a special communication that, “The pressing issue of postal reform has reached such an important point that I am calling on you to contact your Member of Congress immediately to ask them to pass legislation before Congress adjourns in October.”

DMA calls on all members to write or call their US Senators and Representatives and urge them to act quickly on postal reform. To help you, we offer resources, including letter templates and talking points.

· For sample letters, go to http://www.the-dma.org/postal/SampleletterSep06.doc

· For talking points on postal reform, go to http://www.the-dma.org/postal/talkingpoints_20050610.shtml

· For “Economic Impact of the Postal Service” data in your state, go to http://www.the-dma.org/postal/postaleconomicimpact.shtml

· For contact information for your Members of Congress, go to http://congress.nw.dc.us/aim/home

· For additional information or assistance, please contact Stephanie Hendricks, DMA’s director for public affairs, at mailto:shendricks@the-dma.org.

· More information on postal issues is available online at www.the-dma.org/postal.

About the DMA Nonprofit Federation

Since 1982, the DMA Nonprofit Federation (www.nonprofitfederation.org) and its predecessor organizations have been aggressive and effective advocates for nonprofits in postal, regulatory, legislative, and accountability issues. It has led the way in professional education, networking, and industry advancement. The Federation is the premier agent for improving public awareness and receptivity to direct marketing-driven philanthropy, and is the “top brand” among all associations and advocacy groups working on behalf of nonprofits in this area. With more than 400 members, the DMANF is one of the largest member segments of the Direct Marketing Association (www.the-dma.org).

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