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Advocacy organizations often encourage their grassroots supporters to influence politicians and corporations using different methods, from promoting a cause or opposing legislation to challenging ad campaigns or policies. A large display of public opinion can have a powerful message, and advocacy groups often help to focus and channel this support to make the most impact. It used to be done by mail, but this article shows how an organization can use internet-based communication tools to accompli

Is intended to demystify policymaking and provide the average person with the guidelines, insights, and a "know-how recipe" to be able to help shape local, state and national policy decisions. Written by David C. Hollister, former mayor of Lansing, MI, the book uses his personal experience to illustrate key elements of effective (or ineffective) policymaking. Published by the Institute for Educational Leadership and the Michigan Education Policy Fellowship Program, a PDF is available for free do

New survey analysis on the prevalence of nonprofit voter engagement and its intersection with race, leadership, and community served. Seven in 10 voters say they think it is a good idea for nonprofits to offer voter support services, like voter registration, election reminders, and election day transportation. Additionally, nonprofits effectively reach communities underrepresented at the polls, including low-income, young, and voters of color. Finally, nonprofit voter engagement significantly bo

Celebrities Aren’t Influencing Young Activists, Donors is an article for The NonProfit Times, presenting data from a March 2021 study of 1,000 Americans between the ages of 18-30 by Cause & Social Influence in Indianapolis. The study found that animal safety and rights issues and civil rights and social justice topped a list of concerns for the second year in a row. Online influencers held more sway with this group than celebrities, with 51% saying they received information from online conten

Is an article written by Jan Masaoka which starts with the assumption that "the most effective way to bring about social change is to elect the right people." Yet nonprofit 501c3 organizations are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates running for office. Some long-time nonprofit practices can successfully address this restriction, but are seldom discussed in public. The article discusses these practices -- and the reasons for them.

For a nonprofit leader, it is essential to the success and continuation of your organization to promote and support your mission. In this article written for Forbes Nonprofit Council, Christa Day details five essentials for A+ advocacy for a nonprofit.

Is an article written by Rich Tafel for Stanford Social Innovation Review. Tafel shares ten strategies that can help organizations accomplish policy goals through conservative governments.

This is an article written by Edith Asibey & Joy Portella for Stanford Social Innovation Review. For nonprofits struggling to keep supporters excited about their causes, the article shares five recommendations from B.J. Fogg's model for getting people to act.

This is the second in a series of articles about developing a media advocacy campaign. The previous article dealt with selecting the media and doing the basic preparation work. This article covers the next step - how to develop and frame the message. It includes an easy to remember list of guidelines: The Five C's of Messaging.

Is an article that provides guidelines to develop and frame an organization's message, called "The Five Cs of Messaging."

Is an article written by Dyana P. Mason for The Nonprofit Quarterly. In the article, Mason stresses the importance of advocacy and details what organizations are allowed to do based on their tax-exempt determination.