Nonprofits Should Be Involved In Advocacy and Lobbying

Nonprofit SnapCast

Pat Libby visits the Nonprofit SnapCast to talk about her work with the San Diego Bird Alliance and her book, The Empowered Citizens Guide. They discuss the importance of lobbying for non-profits, the legalities involved, and practical steps for organizations to start their lobbying efforts. Key Takeaways:

• All non-profits should be involved in advocacy and lobbying, as these activities are crucial for advancing their missions. For example, a symphony orchestra might lobby for music education to ensure its future.
• To encourage non-profits to engage in lobbying, they should align their activities with their mission, as many missions relate to public policy. Examples include advocating for mandated reporting laws for computer repair technicians and extending housing support for foster youth.
• Mid-sized organizations can gain recognition and influence through lobbying, which enhances their impact. Non-profits inherently deal with political considerations, making it essential for them to engage in policy discussions.
• For non-profits looking to start lobbying, the first step is to educate the board about lobbying rules. Signing the 501H form allows organizations to lobby more freely without complicating their audits.

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