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Why Nonprofits Should Advocate ?

Why Nonprofits Should Advocate ?. Presented by: Jim White, Executive Director Nonprofit Association of Oregon. Advocacy and Lobbying : What are they ? . Advocacy: What is it? . Advocacy – the act of arguing in favor of something, such as a cause idea or policy.

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Why Nonprofits Should Advocate ?

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  1. Why Nonprofits Should Advocate?

    Presented by: Jim White, Executive Director Nonprofit Association of Oregon
  2. Advocacy and Lobbying: What are they?
  3. Advocacy: What is it? Advocacy – the act of arguing in favor of something, such as a cause idea or policy. (American Heritage Dictionary, 2009)
  4. Advocacy: What is it? Organizing Educating Legislators Educating the Public Get to Know Legislators Nonpartisan Voter Education Organize a Rally Research Training Litigation Regulatory Efforts Educational Conferences Lobbying
  5. Lobbying: What is it? Lobbying – any attempt to influence specific legislation by: Contacting or urging the public to contact policy makers for the purpose of proposing, supporting or opposing legislation; Advocating the adoption or rejection of legislation. (as defined in Federal Tax Code)
  6. Advocacy/Lobbying: Why is it important?
  7. Advocacy/Lobbying: Why is it important? Question the administration of policy Participate in setting the agenda Target political systems for change Propose policy solutions Open up space for public discussion
  8. Why would they listen to us?
  9. Why would they listen to us? Nonprofits are a sizable force in Oregon with over 166,000 employees and 1 million volunteers. Representing 22,000+ organizations
  10. Advocacy But really, why would they listen to MY org?!
  11. ALL politics is local! Nonprofits = vibrant community!
  12. Lobbying: How much of it can we do? Insubstantial Part Test Or 501(h) Expenditure Test (for more information see the Alliance for Justice or Internal Revenue Serviceweb sites)
  13. Lobbying: How much of it can we do? Insubstantial Part Test Default test What is “insubstantial?” Lobbying is defined broadly: attempting to influence legislation
  14. Lobbying: How much of it can we do? 501(h) Expenditure Test One-time election – IRS form 5768 Dollar based limits based on annual expenditures Narrow definitions of lobbying
  15. Lobbying: Different Forms and Approaches Regulations divide lobbying into two specific types: Direct Lobbying Directed at a Legislator Communication View expressed about specific legislation Grassroots Lobbying Directed at public Communication View expressed about specific legislation Call to action
  16. Advocacy: What Can My Org Do? Appoint a board member or establish a Board Advocacy Committee. Educate and involve your elected officials. Educate and Involve your constituents.
  17. Engaging your Board! Traditional Process for Board engagement Staff determine relevant policy issues Staff lead on draft action plan Board votes on each issue as it arises Suggested Process for Board engagement Board appointed Policy Committee is formed Committee develops policy agenda for Board approval and staff implementation Board approves agenda once each year
  18. Considerations in Developing Advocacy Positions - Screening Knowledge –Is there sufficient info available to make an informed recommendation? Timing – Is there sufficient time to address the issue? Impact – What measured difference could our advocacy make?
  19. Considerations in Developing Advocacy Positions: Analysis Scope – Who does the issue affect and to what degree? Content – what is the form of the issue? (current or proposed law; request for participation; request to publicly support a position?) Partners – Who else is engaged? Would it create conflicts with partners?
  20. Considerations in Developing Advocacy Positions: Analysis Collaboration– What opportunities for new partnerships? Fundraising – How will involvement with the issue affect org ability to raise funds? Input – From whom do we need input?
  21. Advocacy/Lobbying: Current state What is the current state of Lobbying and Advocacy here in Oregon?
  22. Oregon Nonprofit Engagement on Advocacy in 2011
  23. Advocacy/Lobbying moments: What is happening in Oregon now? HB2060 - disqualifies nonprofit from receiving Oregon state tax deductible contributions if Attorney General finds that the nonprofit failed to expend at least 30 % of total annual functional expenses on program services. SJR0032 – limits noneconomic damages from nonprofits in an amount that exceeds $1 million.   SB0766 – nonprofits that receive at least 25 %of its annual operating budget from public moneys must comply with the disclosure requirements of ORS 192.410 to 192.505 for all records of the entity relating to the conduct of the entity’s business. SB319 extends tax credits for contributions to the Oregon Cultural Trust
  24. Thank You! Questions about advocacy?
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