The best time to educate a lawmaker is when they are a candidate.
You are likely thinking – THAT IS ILLEGAL. Nonprofits can’t engage in election activities.
And you are right – there are election activities that nonprofits must steer clear of.
But there are many activities that nonprofits can—and should—engage in during election season. Nonprofits that engage—and leverage this big opportunity—will emerge in November stronger and better able to meet their missions.
Elections provide nonprofit organizations the opportunity to demonstrate to future lawmakers — and to voters, donors, and others — that their issue is an election issue, one that people care about and will vote on.
Elections also give nonprofit leaders the chance to educate candidates and voters about policies and long-term solutions that will positively impact the people they serve and the challenges they are trying to solve—from hunger to homelessness to health care to climate justice, and other pressing issues.
However many nonprofits are unsure how to safely and legally leverage the election and engage in activities that will strengthen their organization.
During this interactive and fun session, attendees will learn how nonprofits can engage in elections to advance your organization’s mission – and specific ways you can ensure those who govern our cities, counties, states, and nation understand how they can positively impact those you serve.
You'll learn:
- The common myths holding nonprofits back from engaging in election activities
- How engaging in elections can strengthen your organization
- Specific activities your organization can engage in this fall - and ones you want to stay away from
- Now What? Next Steps to Take
Questions? Contact info@iowanonprofitalliance.org
Non-Members: $10
About the Presenter:
Bethany Snyder, MPP, (she/her) is an Advocacy Strategist, Enthusiast, Optimist – and the founder of Snyder Strategies, LLC, a boutique consulting firm she formed to share and leverage her deep understanding of the advocacy world with nonprofit and membership-based organizations. With nearly 25 years of experience in communications, advocacy, and public affairs, Bethany is a seasoned professional and a nonprofit advocacy expert. She has been on all sides of the advocacy desk - as a grassroots advocacy director, a lobbyist, a consultant, a comms director, and a US Senate staffer. She helps turn nonprofit supporters into lifelong advocates to pass the policy solutions our communities need.
In addition to her advocacy clients, Bethany serves as the Director of the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, representing Iowa’s 23,000 nonprofit organizations and its dedicated professionals.