Building Relationships Through Nonprofit Days at the Capitols

An experienced lobbyist once advised: “You never want to have to ask a stranger for a favor; so get on up to the State House and meet some new friends before you need something.” That excellent, proactive advice explains the thinking, and benefits, of Nonprofit Days at State Capitols hosted by state associations of nonprofits across the country. While each event reflects the State House culture and experiences of nonprofits, the common denominator is the same – create opportunities for officials of charitable nonprofits to introduce their organizations to policymakers and make sure the value and impact of nonprofits are fully appreciated by the elected officials who make decisions affecting the nonprofits’ work, support, and sustainability.

Here are just a few examples of state associations helping nonprofits put advocacy in action.

The Maine Association of Nonprofits recently celebrated its 15th annual Nonprofit Day at the State Capitol, a collective day of action to raise awareness for how #NonprofitsWorkforME. The state association gathers charitable organizations from many missions and parts of the state to increase policymaker awareness of nonprofits and their vital contributions to Maine’s economy and way of life, strengthen relationships between nonprofit leaders and public officials, and prepare to participate fully in the formation of public policy that impacts the communities they serve. A unique feature of the Maine Nonprofit Day is the opportunity it provides for a wide range of nonprofits to set up tables to present their missions and impact to legislators. This year many legislators – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and Unenrolled – stopped by the displays to say hello and learn about Maine’s vital nonprofit sector.

At the beginning of February, a month into the legislative session and before the Governor’s budget was released, Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN) hosted its annual Kentucky Nonprofit Day at the Capitol. Its declared purpose: “to create visibility for the sector and help nonprofits connect with policymakers.” KNN structures the annual event to give nonprofits the opportunity to learn from and educate state government officials and network with nonprofits from across the Commonwealth. Activities included a legislative breakfast/lunch, rally and awards program in the Rotunda, committee meetings, gallery passes for the House and Senate, and more.

The messaging for the Utah Nonprofits Association (UNA) annual event couldn’t be more direct and inviting: the “Nonprofit Day on the Hill is Your Chance to Share your Mission. It Starts with a Conversation …” Participants were encouraged to “begin building relationships with legislators and join with other nonprofits to advocate for our sector.” And not willing to treat the day of advocacy as an one-off event for nonprofit professionals, UNA followed it up with the launch of its Advocacy and Civic Engagement course, designed to guide participants in the development of best practices for organizations and to guide individuals in “becoming a forceful advocate” for their missions.

Toward the end of February, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) held its 2018 Session Line-Up meeting at which nonprofits heard directly from leaders of the legislative caucuses as they shared their priorities for the legislative session, identified issues that they think will dominate the debate, and gave their ideas on how nonprofits can be a resource to decision makers and their staff. Key to the planning of the event was the opportunity for frontline nonprofits to get their questions on the legislative table at the beginning of session. MCN came through on its promise of the event as “a time for us to build connections, show up and use advocacy as a powerful catalyst for change.” As in previous years, MCN lined up as speakers the Governor and the House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.

At the end of February, Washington Nonprofits hosted its 5th Annual Nonprofit Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. The event was conducted in partnership with Philanthropy Northwest, the Washington State Community Action Partnership, and the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, a combination that reinforces the message to government officials that the nonprofit sector is a collaborating community and trusted partner with government. Governor Inslee and Mrs. Inslee both mingled with nonprofit attendees and shared appreciation for the work of nonprofits in the state.

And finally, this past week the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance hosted its first of two week-long Nonprofit Alliance Weeks at the Capitol 2018. This longstanding event takes advantage of the layout of the Capitol campus that enables nonprofits to set up tables or booths in the primary corridor between the legislators’ offices and the legislative chambers. Over the course of the week, dozens of nonprofits are given the opportunity to have a presence on the Capitol grounds for a day. Most importantly, lawmakers know it is Politics 101 to stop to chat with and learn from their constituent nonprofits.

In each of these gatherings, the stories told, data shared, and relationships developed lay the groundwork for future advocacy, enabling the participating nonprofit professionals to talk with friends in government, rather than ask favors from strangers.