I think NEM should keen on something political, more ideology. Something about society, history, progress, freedom. Maybe get in touch with some pirate and internet parties, anarchy movements... Something like that.
Although i completely agree, you're really opening up a can of worms here - especially with any political affiliation. (Pretty sure this was already discussed back on the Nemforums)
With the controversy surrounding political ideals this is something that could end terribly. I think nem needs to distance itself from anything political and focus primarily on the "sound money" aspect.
With this in mind though, there are a few and far between politicians that understand the importance of sound, honest money and the ramifications should it not be so. Ron Paul is certainly the one i know comes to most peoples minds. Especially in the Crypto sphere.
Case in point:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3SOlXxUBLk
For example, Open Sourse Food will help create farms and factories where each stage of food manufacturing process is visible through webcams and all documents are open. What will you prefer, to buy food made by such manufacturer, even if it costs more? Or food that you don't know how it was made?
Open Science may help to create scientific communities in the Internet and fund researches. Is it better to find talented colleagues worldwide and work together?
And charity is a good idea, NEM may start it's work with helping the poor and ill. And help to create charity organisation where somehow each donator will be sure that money goes to where needed.
Sure some of these ideas and initiatives already exists. Well, that's better, maybe support these people. I've read about interesting organisation Open Source Ecology http://opensourceecology.org/