Nonprofit Lobbying & Advocacy 101

Nonprofits have a close-up view of community needs and can and should take advantage of their right to influence law and policy. Though public charities must remain nonpartisan, they have a critical role to play throughout the election cycle! Not only can public charities continue to engage in advocacy and lobbying during an election year, they can also conduct robust voter and candidate education campaigns and mobilize the public to get out the vote.

After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy.  You will also have an understanding of how to safely engage in your advocacy activities during an election year. This workshop will be facilitated in English with English and Spanish speaking facilitators; simultaneous interpretation provided.

Organized by The Fund for Santa Barbara and Unidos 805, a regional coalition strengthening the political voice and civic power of Central Coast communities. Through community-led advocacy, issue-based lobbying, leadership development, and year-round voter engagement, Unidos 805 works to ensure that working families, immigrants, and communities of color can shape the policies and systems that impact their lives