Advocacy in Action

When nonprofits encourage people to vote, by, for instance holding registration drives, providing information on where to vote, hosting candidate forums, and more, it’s not an empty “feel good” activity. It truly makes a difference when people know they matter.

Now’s the time to be talking to candidates, learning about their priorities, and focusing their attention on the needs of your communities.

Research proves that when nonprofits – on a nonpartisan basis – encourage voting, people vote at significantly higher levels than if nonprofits sat on the sidelines and did nothing. Nonpartisanship frees charitable nonprofits to have their communities' voices heard at the ballot box with no hidden agenda.

Thousands of people in a convention hall can overwhelm and intimidate even the most seasoned of advocates. The trick is to treat each interaction as an opportunity for short, meaningful impact

A late summer reading list of past articles dedicated to advancing democracy in America through nonpartisan engagement.

Only a few weeks remain to make sure your elected officials hear about your impact and the challenges you and your communities are facing. Now is the time, when they are home and somewhat relaxed, to build relationships you need to advance your mission.

Details on how to continue advocacy during the House and Senate recess.

The Advocacy in Action section of this newsletter is dedicated to highlighting inspiring stories of individuals and groups that talk the talk and walk the walk, running innovative advocacy campaigns, collecting and wielding data, and championing the public good in various ways. Tim Delaney, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits for the past 16 years, exemplifies all of these ideals and more. In recognition of his retirement today, NCN staff asked Tim to share some of the lessons he has learned from building the largest network of nonprofits in North America and leading effective advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels and all three branches of government.

Participating in nonprofit Lobby Days at your state or the U.S. Capitol offer powerful opportunities to advocate for solutions that address community needs.

You’ve landed a meeting with your elected official – a chance to champion your nonprofit’s cause and make a real difference – Kevin Dean shares what to expect of the encounter.