Member tickets are available to active members of Nonprofit New York and/or the Advocacy Institute.

Nonprofit New York and the Advocacy Institute will convene the sector for Let’s Talk About Advocacy, a half-day learning summit focused on promoting nonprofit advocacy. Our democracy, public policy, and civic discourse are strengthened when nonprofits engage in issue-based advocacy. But too often, the complexity of the rules and costs of compliance keep nonprofits on the sidelines. We believe nonprofit voices and perspectives lead to better policies. Elected officials should want to hear from the communities they represent. Three informative panels will be offered during the summit, including:

What’s at Stake? Advocacy is Mission Critical, Not Mission Creep

Understand how advocacy plays an important role in advancing a nonprofit’s work, regardless of the organization’s size and mission. Data indicates most nonprofits do not engage in advocacy, which leaves their expertise and communities’ needs out of the policymaking process.

But Wait, Can We Do That? The Rules About Nonprofit Advocacy

Every nonprofit should advocate, but the advocacy and lobbying rules can be complex and confusing. Learn about what is allowable under federal, state, and city laws; misunderstandings that unduly limit nonprofit advocacy; disclosure and reporting requirements; and resources for further advocacy guidance.

How Does It Work? Advocacy Models to Fit Your Organizational Needs

There is no one-size-fits-all model for incorporating advocacy into a nonprofit organization’s work. Discover various models for building advocacy work into your organization’s tools for making change, including decisions about whether to work with an outside lobbying firm and how to do so.