advocacy after elections - uw parkside, 11-13-12
TRANSCRIPT
After the election: how advocacy
can help sustain your nonprofitUW-Parkside
2012 Nonprofit Leadership Conference
November 13, 2012
What is advocacy?
• Speaking up for your cause• Educating decision-makers• Specific issue, goals, outcomes•Grassroots and grasstops involvement• Telling your story•Demonstrating impact
What is lobbying?
What is lobbying?
• Influencing decisions made by government • Specific legal parameters set by
governments concerning organized group lobbying for specific legislation
Advocacy and (or) lobbying• Advocacy is education on the ways in which
government or business decisions, policies and regulations affect real people• Lobbying is education specifically targeted about
legislation or policy• Citizens have every right to advocate.• Nonprofit organizations must educate and influence
decision-makers about their cause.• Context + data + real-life examples + numbers =
POWER
Grassroots advocacy and strategic lobbying are necessary for change.
Nonprofit advocacy is all about:• Transformation and change for people, organizations, communities• Economic opportunities • Education for the 21st century• Social capital • Access for everyone, everywhere• Informed and engaged citizenry• Quality of life
Why should you be an advocate?• Every citizen has the right to educate decision-
makers and elected officials.• Every sector and everyone involved in that
sector must speak up for the cause.• You must be the change you believe in.• If you don’t promote and advocate for your
cause, others will promote and advocate for theirs.
Key principles of advocacy• Part of your daily mission.• Unified message, purpose, strategy, and numbers = success.• Establish and broaden coalitions.• Politics is fluid; change is constant. Be ready for it!• Strategy and planning.• Relationships, relationships, relationships!• It’s all about the greater good. • Treat allies and opponents with friendly respect.• Work hard for political friends.• Honesty is the best policy.• Politicians respond to voters (and donors) • Clarity, brevity, respect and honesty are key.
Never, never, never, never give up.
~ Winston Churchill
Advocacy tools
Advocacy framework•Define the issue•Reveal your expertise• Explain impact on individuals and
communities•Provide context, data and stories• “Make the ask”• Say thank you•Repeat as necessary
Wisconsin’s Arts and Cultural Industry• A Local Industry• Attracts visitors/ keeps residents• Engages citizens• Keeps communities healthy • Stimulates Business/Community Growth
and Vibrancy• Supports Jobs • Generates Public and Private Revenue• Lifelong learning for the 21st century
12,953 arts-related businesses in Wisconsin, employing 49,526 people
Current issues for nonprofits• The Great Recession and funding changes• 21st century education, skills, systems,
opportunities• 2012-2013: moving from campaign season
to budget season locally, statewide, nationally • Decision-makers understanding and
supporting 21st century economic development, education, civic engagement, quality of life
Election results
What should you do now?
Starting todayKnow who your elected officials are, and update your records with their contact information. They should be receiving information about your work on a regular basis, via newsletters, website, mailings, etc.
As soon as possible
By the end of the week, send a congratulatory message to your new and returning officials. •Email or snail mail? •Call! Say "congrats" to a real live person.
By the day before Thanksgiving • send an education packet of information to
let elected officials know what you do and the need in your community. • Include sharp, concise points that outline
the important contributions your work makes locally• Focus on the importance of public and
private investment in the issue.
By the beginning of DecemberInvite your representatives to participate in or attend a program (particularly an educational program) hosted by your organization and/or in your community.
Throughout...Join with arts, business, education, political, governmental, and civic stakeholders in your community to carry your message.•educational community (PTAs to school boards to teachers to administrators)•Chambers of Commerce and tourism groups•economic development groups•local elected officials.
