BLOG for ADVOCATES

We created this blog to share interesting advocacy related items that cross our desks. It can be anything from new research on funding for advocacy to examples of unusual advocacy strategies. If you have an item to share please send it to npaction@npaction.org.
NPAction Staff

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network recently unveiled a new website for the 2010 midterm elections with new resources for nonprofits. Features include online versions of the NVEN nonprofit guides, a 50 State Voter Information map, and updated toolkits, fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, online versions of publications, and more. They also have a great blog with valuable information, such as details about free webinars.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

The Johns Hopkins Listening Post Project recently released a report on a 2009 roundtable that explored how to advance nonprofit advocacy. The report provides valuable information about overcoming barriers to nonprofit advocacy and lobbying. It emphasizes, that "regulatory advocacy must be undertaken to address laws restricting the participation of nonprofits in the policy arena."

"By thinking creatively about what resources are available and how those resources might be more effectively used, organizations and the coalitions that serve them can promote their policy priorities while at the same time seeking ways to open additional funding streams."

The report found that fewer than 15% of surveyed charities spent as much as 2% of their budget on advocacy. However, charities want to be more involved in advocacy. Overall, one prominent message is that support from an organization's board is needed to foster increased nonprofit engagement in advocacy and lobbying work.