Welcome Natalie Jones, our new Director of Advocacy and Research!
We’re excited to welcome Natalie Jones as our new Director of Advocacy and Research for Tennessee Nonprofit Network!
A native of Tennessee, Natalie has over twelve years of experience serving in and working with the nonprofit community. Driven by the belief that strong communities are built on effective, evidence-based policies, she brings a specific data-informed lens to her role and is passionate about identifying ways for nonprofits to measure and share their impact with others. Prior to her work at TNN, she served in multiple partnership-focused roles at Christian Brothers University and in various business development and policy roles at Youth Villages. While at Youth Villages, she developed an expertise in and passion for child welfare and Medicaid policy, government and agency relations, and nonprofit administration.
Natalie received her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Memphis, and earned her Bachelors of Social Work from Union University.
Why are you excited to work for Tennessee Nonprofit Network?
I've been familiar with TNN for several years now and have always respected their bold approach to strengthening the nonprofit sector from their actions around salary transparency on job posts to their promotion of Nonprofit Days of Rest. It is clear that they love and respect this sector and actively work to place it on equal ground with other sectors. They are also an incredibly strong team with wonderful people who are passionate about this work! Meaningful work combined with delightful teammates - what a joy!
What is one of your favorite moments in your nonprofit career?
Favorite moment hands down has to be when a piece of legislation that my nonprofit organization proposed was passed in a state legislature that expanded eligibility for young people aging out of foster care to access federal funding through Chafee. I was able to see that whole process from start to finish and even had the opportunity to propose the specific language used in the policy change. It's everything I love about policy - simple words on paper that actually make a specific difference in the life of someone else by reducing barriers to needed resources or services.
What has your work in public policy taught you?
That policy can be one of the strongest tools for good in serving others. Nothing can replace the importance of direct services and support, but building effective systems through policy is a way to address and ultimately prevent some of the hurts many in our sector are trying to overcome.
What are some of the biggest challenges you think the nonprofit sector is facing right now?
I think a huge challenge for the sector right now is finding effective ways to support our professionals in handling the emotional weight of their work, while balancing the actual demands of the job and their needs as a whole person with family, friends, and interests outside of just work. I think this is also compounded by a lot of nonprofit professionals are doing the work of 2+ people due to budget or hiring constraints.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I'm equal parts social butterfly and recluse. I love people and spending time with others, but at the same time I'm just as likely to hole up somewhere and deep dive into some obscure topic that piques my interest or get absorbed into a book.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a nonprofit considering more participation in public policy and advocacy?
Do it! I completely understand that it is incredibly intimidating to get started, but there is no better feeling than knowing that you identified a problem your community was facing, found a solution, and then succeeded in educating others and getting it codified into a policy that will benefit not just your circle of influence but others who may be in a similar setting or situation. Thankfully policy and advocacy are not solo sports, and there is a robust network (such as TNN!) of passionate people who have walked this road and can come alongside you to support your work.
Who is your hero and why?
Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms. I interned at the residential community attached to Thistle Farms in college and apart from being such a wonderful example of empowering work and community for survivors, I just love the perspective and soulfulness that she brings to her writing and work.
Where is your favorite restaurant spot?
Osaka for sushi and fried rice or Huey's for their cheese fries! Clearly I am the picture of healthy eating, yikes.
What are some of your favorite movies?
I'm a huge fan of the works of Hayao Miyazaki, and my favorites are The Wind Rises, Whisper of the Heart, and the classic - Howl's Moving Castle.
What are you reading right now?
Just finished Chain Gang All-Stars (absolutely incredible!) this morning and now I'm reading Jurassic Park and Atomic Habits.
What do you love most about Tennessee Nonprofit Network?
Forces for Good authors Leslie R. Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant identified several practices used by high-impact nonprofits to create large-scale systemic change. Two of them specifically reflect the work of TNN - 1) involvement in policy development and advocacy and 2) development of a strong nonprofit network. Given the wide-range of needs our TN nonprofits are already trying to address, I love that TNN provides an opportunity for each of our members to be a high-impact nonprofit and be involved in system change through their involvement with TNN. I think that type of collective action is the best "force for good" and I'm excited to be a part of it.