You went into this work because you care about people and want to do something to help them address some of the difficulties of their lives. Advocacy is the number one way nonprofits can advance the issues you care about and help bring about systemic, lasting change for the people you serve. There are many ways to incorporate advocacy into your programs:

Public education to inform policy makers and the community at large about the issues facing populations you serve

• Conduct or compile research
• Publish fact sheets in print or on your website
• Produce a monthly newsletter
• Meet with local editorial boards and publish op-eds

Organizing to empower your clients to mobilize on their own behalf

• Host a community forum
• Conduct leadership trainings
• Organize citizen advocacy days at city council or the state legislature

Public events

• Visibility events for earned media
• Educational conferences or roundtable discussions