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It’s OK (and encouraged) to approach your officials.
Navigating Public Policy Advocacy 6 steps for nonprofits
According to Anne Basham and Ascend Consulting, in the dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations, effective public policy advocacy is a cornerstone for driving positive change. Basham has developed a guide for nonprofits to effectively engage in public policy advocacy.
From the guide, here are six essential steps to help nonprofits navigate the intricacies of public policy advocacy successfully:
1. Clarify your advocacy goals. What specific policies or changes do you seek to influence? Clearly articulate the desired outcomes and the impact they will have on your mission.
2. Stay informed. Regularly monitor policy developments at local, state and federal levels. Knowledge is the foundation of effective advocacy.
3. Cultivate relationships with legislators. Identify key decision-makers at various levels of government who have the ability to influence the policies you’re advocating for.
4. Craft a compelling message. Use real-life stories, data and evidence to illustrate the impact of the policies you support. Tailor your message to different audiences to maximize its relevance and impact.
5. Coordinate grassroots engagement. Collective action is at the heart of effective advocacy. A united front is a powerful force that can impact the decisions of elected officials greatly. Mobilize your community, including staff, volunteers and supporters.
6. Maximize social media and mass communications. Combine traditional methods, such as meetings with policymakers and written communications, with modern approaches like social media campaigns and grassroots organizing.
You can download the entire guide from Ascend Consulting, filled with Q & As and more resources at
www.ccca.org/go/advocacy.
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www.ccca.org September/October 2024
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