Engagement On and Off “The Hill”
Nonprofits are finding more and more innovative ways to engage with state-level lawmakers to build relationships and advance mission-based policy concerns. One popular and effective method is to participate in the “Nonprofit Day at the Capitol,” typically sponsored by the state association of nonprofits (and always listed in the Nonprofit Events section of the 
sidebar of this newsletter). A recent event, cohosted by Common Good Vermont, demonstrates the effectiveness: welcomed by the House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem, nonprofit leaders met with lawmakers and discussed tax policy, the state budget process, and the role nonprofits can have advocating for bills impacting their missions.
The CT Community Nonprofit Alliance has become famous throughout the country for hosting two “Nonprofit Weeks” at the State House. At these events, individual nonprofits set up booths in the corridor between the Connecticut Legislators’ offices and the House and Senate floors. Lawmakers traditionally make a point of stopping and chatting with the presenting organizations. Now in it’s 13th year, the event provides 100 organizations with the opportunity of exhibiting, while also collectively highlighting the diversity and impact of work that community nonprofits do to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the state. The state association of nonprofits explains: “It is a time to educate policymakers and the public, regarding the exceptional work of each organization, and their contributions to the collective impact of all.”
Making things even more personal, Washington Nonprofits recently hosted its sixth annual Nonprofit Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia. During this event, nonprofit leaders mingle with elected officials, connect with peers from across the state, and celebrate the contributions that nonprofit organizations make to local communities. The reception features representatives from the public and nonprofit sectors as well as refreshments prepared by the Governor's Mansion's staff. This year, Washington Nonprofits added a special advocacy-oriented workshop to ensure participants were fully aware of the benefits of advocating for their missions.
Finally, there’s nothing like taking advocacy and relationship-building opportunities on the road. That is the strategy of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, which is convening eight Town Hall Meetings across the Tar Heel State over the course of the legislative session. Conducted in state lawmakers’ districts when they are not in session in Raleigh, each Town Hall gives nonprofit board members and staff the chance to meet and talk with elected officials and other nonprofit leaders about some of the major policy issues facing North Carolina nonprofits in 2019. Participants end up strategizing ways all can work together on policy issues affecting communities.
The key to all of these events are the words “opportunity” and “together.” Nonprofits are problem solvers in their communities. When policymakers are exposed to the talents and optimism of nonprofit people, as these events provide, they can’t help but be inspired. And perhaps be better equipped to make policy decisions that advance, or at least don’t hinder, the missions of nonprofits throughout their states.
