About this event
Advocacy is a powerful tool for social change, and it’s one your nonprofit has the right to use. In this session, participants will be introduced to essential concepts and practices that help nonprofits understand and remain compliant with federal and state laws governing lobbying and election-related activities. We’ll explore how nonprofits can strengthen their advocacy efforts while staying aligned with applicable tax regulations and ethical practices. The focus will be on capacity-building, legal health, and equitably amplifying your voice in the policy space.
This session will guide attendees through Bolder Advocacy’s “Advocacy Check-Up: Nonprofit Self-Assessment” resource. The Check-Up helps 501(c)(3) organizations assess their advocacy-related compliance and tracking practices, identify legal gaps, and uncover opportunities for capacity growth. The session is co-facilitated by a team of nonprofit legal and policy experts who will offer collective insights, practical tools, and real-world case examples to support your organization’s advocacy journey.
Please note: This session is limited in scope. It is meant to provide guidance and suggestions to your organization on how to amplify its advocacy. It is not a full compliance or financial audit and does not constitute legal advice.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to use Bolder Advocacy’s “Advocacy Check-Up” tool to assess your organization’s legal readiness.
- Spot and address common compliance challenges related to lobbying, election engagement, and state-level requirements.
- Strengthen your organization’s advocacy with ethical and equitable practices.
- Understand the importance of transparent advocacy tracking and inclusive policy engagement.
Who Should Attend:
This session is ideal for nonprofit professionals at all levels who are involved in advocacy efforts, whether through program implementation, communications, leadership, or compliance. Participants may include executive directors, policy and program staff, communications teams, operations managers, and board members. Whether you’re new to advocacy or seeking to deepen your understanding of legal and ethical considerations, this session offers a meaningful opportunity for reflection and growth.
Registration Fee:
- Free
Virtual Seminar
Optimized for the virtual environment, this one day seminar will consist of presentations, group discussions, breakout group sessions, polls and short breaks. This is an opportunity to do a deep dive on a new topic and leave with tools that you can put in to practice immediately.
Facilitators
Cynthia N. Cortez– Vice President Learning and Innovation, Center for Nonprofit Management
Sarah Efthymiou – Senior Counsel, Bolder Advocacy Program at Alliance for Justice (AFJ)
Sarah is based in SoCal. In her role, she provides technical assistance, resources, and training to help nonprofit advocates understand their rights and abilities to advocate, lobby, engage in election related activities, and fund advocacy. Prior to joining AFJ in 2023, Sarah served as a Directing Attorney at Public Law Center, where she provided legal advice and counsel to Orange County-based nonprofit organizations.
