The Nonprofit Board Member's Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy

by Marcia Avner

Nonprofit lobbying is exciting, rewarding, honorable work. Lobbying is a proven way to advance issues, support good ideas, respond to crises, avert disasters, and ensure that an organization's work is adequately supported. Through lobbying, specific laws and regulations that will further an organization's mission can be identified and pressed for adoption. Public policies can be shaped and sustained to reflect an organization's values and priorities. The Nonprofit Board Member's Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy shows board members how to use their power and privilege to move their organization's work forward. The book includes: concepts, principles, and strategies specific to board members of 501 (c)(3) charities; an eight-step process that enables boards to plan for advocacy; first-person success stories and from-the-field advice from board members across the U.S.; 3 ways to influence the executive branch of government; 4 facts about lobbying with foundation grant funds; 20 frequently asked questions about lobbying; information about the laws that govern lobbying by nonprofits; detailed worksheets that lead readers through critical processes; an appendix of lobbying tips and tactics; and encouragement to make advocacy and lobbying core to a board's active leadership. Detailed worksheets lead you through critical processes—from creating a public policy readiness profile, selecting lobbying strategies, identifying key decision makers, identifying resources, and drafting a public policy work plan. An annotated list of helpful resources includes publications, organizations, and web sites. Nonprofits can and should participate in shaping public policy through advocacy and lobbying. Board member's voices are heard when others are ignored. Whether your organization is large or small, national or local, a lobbying export or a rookie, this book will help your board get out there and advocate!

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2004