By Jessica Barrera, JONAH Intern
People, including myself, often associate social justice work with liberal politics, but that connection is not always accurate. Lasting change happens when people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and political perspectives come together to address issues that affect their communities. At its heart, social justice is about human dignity, equity, and collective responsibility, not any one political party. Throughout my internship at JONAH, I have learned that effective advocacy requires not only passion for important issues but also the ability to engage others in a way that remains non-partisan and inclusive. Building relationships with others regardless of political stances.
Over the past several weeks, I have learned a lot about being an advocate and being able to remain non-partisan. I have had many great experiences so far in my internship at JONAH. There is one aspect that can be a challenge for me from time to time: the organization’s commitment to remaining non-partisan. JONAH asks that we do not endorse political candidates or parties while representing the organization. While I understand the reasons behind this policy, I have found it, at times, difficult to navigate.
Many of the issues JONAH volunteers are working on, including affordable housing, immigration, transportation, mental health, and environmental concerns, are deeply connected to public policy. Decisions made by elected officials can have a significant impact on the lives of the people and communities we serve. Because of this, there are moments when it feels difficult to separate conversations about social justice from politics.
I deeply care about these issues, and I sometimes find myself feeling strongly about certain policies or leaders that I believe could create positive change. Yet when representing JONAH, my role is not to promote a political party or candidate. Instead, it is to focus on the issues themselves and the people affected by them. That distinction can feel like a fine line, especially when public conversations become increasingly polarized.
At the same time, I have come to appreciate why this policy exists. Remaining non-partisan helps protect JONAH’s credibility and allows the organization to build relationships with a broad range of community members, partners, and decision-makers. It also helps ensure that everyone feels welcome to participate in JONAH’s work, regardless of their political affiliation. In addition, it supports compliance with nonprofit regulations and helps maintain public trust.
As advocates, we are encouraged to work toward social justice and social change. Yet we are also expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and respect for organizational policies. Balancing these responsibilities is not always simple. Determining where issue advocacy ends and partisan political activity begins can sometimes feel uncertain.
Although I occasionally find the non-partisan policy frustrating, I recognize its value. It serves as a reminder that effective advocacy is not always about promoting a particular candidate or political viewpoint. Often, it is about bringing people together, elevating community voices, and focusing on the issues that matter most.
Through this experience, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the balance between personal beliefs, professional responsibilities, and meaningful advocacy. This balance requires reflection, discipline, and a commitment to serving the community in a way that is both effective and inclusive. Most importantly, I have learned that meaningful social change is possible when people focus on shared values and common goals rather than political labels. As I continue my internship, I look forward to strengthening these skills and learning more about how non-partisan advocacy can create lasting impact. In next month’s newsletter, Lynn will discuss JONAH’s role as a non-partisan organization, explain what that means, and highlight why this commitment is so important to the organization’s mission.