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Capacity Building Toolkit

Advocacy

Federal and State Advocacy 101: Fundamentals

The session focuses on a foundational understanding of Federal and State governments, government agencies that intersect with the arts and cultural community, and the legislative and budgetary process. Case studies are used to illustrate how to successfully engage in the legislative and budgetary process. Participants receive training in composing testimony in support of legislation and developing talking points to advocate to elected officials.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to have a deeper knowledge of Federal and State Governments, including the roles and responsibilities of State Legislators, Cabinet Secretaries and State Agencies.

Consulting Firm: MASSCreative, Boston, MA

Content Experts: Emily Ruddock & Tri Vi Quach

Session Resources:

 

Federal and State Advocacy 101: Strategy and Organizing

The session covers how to engage your board, audiences, and networks in broader advocacy efforts. We help participants develop a public narrative, which can anchor an organization’s advocacy efforts. We cover a variety of advocacy actions from letter writing campaigns, to meetings with legislators and engaging the media. We also share examples of advocacy strategies that effectively engage audiences. Finally, we cover what advocacy 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations are permitted to do on both legislation and elections.

At the end of this session, participants will also be able to articulate the process of a bill becoming a law and where in the process an individual can formally advocate in favor of or in opposition to the bill, have an advocacy strategy for their members of Congress and State Legislators, have a stronger understanding of what a 501(c)3 organization can and cannot do when advocating for policy or engaging in elections, and have a strategy to engage their organization’s board of directors, audiences and supporters in advocacy efforts.

Consulting Firm: MASSCreative, Boston, MA

Content Experts: Emily Ruddock & Tri Vi Quach

Session Resources:

 

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