Taking Your Cause to the Powers That Be

Whether you are headed to the Roundhouse or working locally, this session will prepare your organization to effectively advocate for its cause. 

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to identify key decision makers at the local and state levels
• Learn how to work within coalitions and develop a strategy to garner support for your cause 
• Discuss how to craft an effective message, deliver it, and follow through      

Description

This session will use case studies of legislative successes to teach nonprofits the basics of how to advocate for their cause. You'll learn vital advocacy skills such as identifying and communicating with relevant elected officials, building a support base, and creating effective messaging.

By reviewing and discussing the case studies, participants will learn about the strategies New Mexico nonprofits have used to effectively advocate for a variety of issues, such as a ban on cockfighting, the legalization of medical marijuana, and a ban on indoor smoking.

Level

Introductory

Audience

Executive Directors, Program Managers, Organizers, Nonprofit Staff, Clients and Volunteers who are planning to do advocacy work

Presenter

Dede Feldman has returned after serving 16 years in the New Mexico Senate to restart her consulting business and share lessons learned about advocacy, communications and leadership. The sponsor of hundreds of pieces of legislation and the creator of programs in health and human services, Dede is a former journalist and teacher. She has written countless op-eds and two books: Inside the New Mexico Senate: Boots, Suits and Citizens, an award winning advocacy guide for citizens, and the forthcoming Another Way Forward: Grassroots Lessons from New Mexico. She holds a BA and MA from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence often takes photos during our trainings to share on social media. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know in the Special Needs field when you register.