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Advocacy 101

 
"Nonprofit organizations have a unique and essential role to play in the policy process.  Nonprofit organizations include 501(c)(3) organizations (public charities, public foundations, and private foundations), 501(c)(4) organizations (social welfare organizations), 501(c)(5) organizations (labor unions), 501(c)(6) organizations (business leagues), 527 organizations (political organizations), and others.  All nonprofits can engage in advocacy, although the scope and extent of their lobbying activities vary according to the tax exempt status of the organization. 
 

Advocacy allows organizations to serve their constituencies and promote their causes through educating the public and policymakers, conducting research, litigating, organizing, lobbying, and more."


See the Alliance for Justice for info on
  • Getting Started
  • Lobbying
  • Funding Advocacy
  • Election Activity
  • Coalitions and Affiliations
  • Advocacy Evaluation & Advocacy Capacity Building

Cheap, Easy, and Safe “Insurance” for Lobbying
Charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofits taking the 501(h) election to clarify their lobbying activities may be getting the "cheapest and best insurance on the planet," as some nonprofit practitioners have called it. Nonprofits have a legal right to lobby. Just fill out one simple, short form to be covered by the new (1976), clear "expenditure" test that offers a bright line based on how much money the nonprofit spends on its lobbying efforts.
 
Other Resources
 
Direct to the Source: Wisconsin State Legislature
When there's a public policy issue that affects you or your organization, the most important thing you can do is contact your state representatives directly - as a private citizen and as a paid or volunteer staffer of a nonprofit - to explain your position or ask questions about theirs. Trust me: it's legal (see below). We encourage you to encourage your constituents to do so - early and often
  • Get contact information for your representatives
  • Sign up for free email notification for legislation updates
  • Access information on current and past legislation 
State of Wisconsin Issues: The Wheeler Report
  • Monitor the Budget Repair Bill and, once introduced, the 2011-13 Budget
  • Read daily updates on legislation, including amendments
  • Find links to up-to-the-minute statewide news by topic
Federal Nonprofit Policy Issues: National Council of Nonprofits
Keep up to date on the most pressing matters before Congress, the Supreme Court, federal agencies, and the White House. From our trusted national association.