Everyday Advocacy

It’s not complicated. Really. All you have to do is care about your nonprofit’s mission. Most people think that advocacy and lobbying are synonymous. Lobbying is a form of advocacy, but there are so many more ways to advocate for your nonprofit's mission. Browse through our archive of "Advocacy in Action" stories. At least one story is included in every edition of our free bi-weekly newsletter, Nonprofit Advocacy Updates.

Why & the Basics

It all begins with the simple question of why your nonprofit exists. Does it exist to file forms with the IRS every year? Or to solve a problem in your community? Advocacy involves “solving problems.” Who can do it? Everyone, especially board members who can Stand For Your Mission.

Nonprofit votes count too. Learn about a national campaign to encourage every eligible nonprofit staff member and volunteer to register and vote.

Proof that it Works

Every single day, nonprofits engage in advocacy that advances their missions.  Explore everyday examples and case studies of success stories from across the country. See how the network of the National Council of Nonprofits successfully connects various policy dots across state lines to counter threats and seize opportunities.

Proof that it's Legal

Read the laws here to see for yourself how the U.S. Constitution, Congress, and the IRS have protected the rights of nonprofits to engage in advocacy and legislative lobbying. See the confirmations from informed lawyers, accountants, and others that you have the legal right to advocate to advance your nonprofit’s mission. And explore the easy ways to comply and protect your rights.

Resources

This section of our website provides links to extensive materials about nonprofit advocacy, ranging from advocacy toolkits, case studies, and informative “how to” sheets to recent opinion pieces and information about federal, state, and local laws – and much more.