The Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance (ANA) is Arkansas’ nonprofit association and representative in the National

Council of Nonprofits. Since 2003, ANA has worked to build a stronger, more vibrant nonprofit sector in Ar-

kansas. ANA accomplishes this effort through its strong membership base of more than 350 members; pro-

fessional development, technical assistance, research and information sharing; network building; and advo-

cacy work on public policy issues affecting all nonprofits at the state and national level.

ANA’s work is supported by a foundation of best practices called the Arkansas Diamond Standards.™. ANA

believes that in order for nonprofits to be effective in accomplishing their mission, the organization must fol-

low a set of principles and practices that not only meet legal requirements, but strive for excellence in key

capacity building areas.

Visit: To learn more and join today!

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU:

To our devoted board for all of your talent, energy,

and support!

&

.BEHIND ANA’S NEW LOOK

Photo by: Mike Kemp Photography

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The Interdisciplinary PhD in Leadership at the University of Central Arkansas (LEAD) may be just the program for you. Applications for 2014-2015 are now being accepted at uca.edu/phdleadership

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May 2, 2014 For more information, visit: http://ourhouseshelter.org/

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http://www.statenonprofitcompensationreport.com/

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Clinton School Student Creates Nonprofit Advocacy Manual

Photo by: Jacob Slaton

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Advocacy Preparation: Building Board Support

1. Explain the Benefits of Advocacy Nonprofit advocacy is a collaborative process that improves the sector overall. One way to unite groups

and understand the benefits of advocacy is to invite Board members from other nonprofit organizations to present at your Board meeting regarding the benefits of advocacy. It is imperative that your Board members have conver-sations with others in their position to share perspectives and allow an open exchange of ideas. This similar per-spective will allow buy-in and questions to be answered. 2. Educate the Board on Lobbying and the Law An essential piece of advocacy is you knowing what your organization can and cannot do legally. Invite an attorney to explain what is allowed for nonprofit advocacy and lobbying. The attorney must be very knowledgeable in this subject—not one to perpetuate common myths. The IRS has explicitly stated that public charities can and should lobby, so make sure the attorney does not perpetuate that myth. Having an attorney reassure your Board that lob-bying is a recommended practice will ease the fears that have dampened advocacy in the past. 3. Adopt Policies and Systems Create and implement policies and systems so that your organization is equipped to be proactive and reactive as advocates. Developing internal policies and procedures on the frontend for how your organization approaches ad-vocacy will also help improve the comfort of Board members about your group’s involvement in advocacy. This is also a great time to discuss with your Board and determine the extent to which your organization wants staff to make decisions on policy and positions. The Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance has some suggestions on policies and positions if you need them. 4. Adopt Position Statements Based on input from staff and recommendations from your public policy committee, your Board should consider

adopting specific position statements indicating the position of your organization on legislative or administrative

action. These statements should also provide background on the issue, rationale for your position, and a list of

other organizations that share your position (if possible).

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