Information for Policymakers Information for Nonprofits Policy Issues About MNA Public Policy

Policy Portal

Cracking the Code: Media Relations
August 18, 2009
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnson Center at GVSU
(Session 1 of 4 in the training series "Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities")
Effective advocacy not only includes working with elected officials, but also involves strategic interaction with the media and the public. This session is broken down into two sections. The first half of the training will focus on the tricks of the trade for effective media relations, including understanding the different types of media outlets, developing effective letters to the editor campaigns, and techniques for pitching local and statewide media to help gain increased coverage for your organization and its advocacy priorities. During the second half, the session presenters will talk about the use of social media and how to effectively use such mediums for advocacy with legislators, the media, and the general public. Presenters: Mark Gilman, Decus Communications and Lisa Sommer, Michigan Nonprofit Association.
Cost: $25 members; $35 non-members
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Public Policy 101: The Basics of Nonprofit Advocacy
September 15, 2009
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Johnson Center at GVSU
(Session 2 of 4 in the training series "Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities")
Nonprofit advocacy and lobbying are legal and responsible ways to serve your constituencies. Lobbying laws, planning for advocacy, and basic advocacy skills will be introduced in this session. This is a basic workshop for nonprofit staff, volunteers and board members who are thinking about increasing their capacity to do policy work at the State Capitol. Definitions of public policy, advocacy, lobbying, and the arenas of influence will be discussed as well as a basic description of the legislative process and how bills become laws. Presenter: Tiffany Aurora, Michigan Nonprofit Association
Cost: $25 members; $35 non-members
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Coalition Building: Unified Voices for Sustainable Change
October 13, 2009
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Johnson Center at GVSU
(Session 3 of 4 in the training series "Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities")
For an organization to be able to influence public policy decisions, most of the time, they can't go it alone. This session will explain the importance and advantages of coalition building, and provide trainign on how to spearhead coalition building around the issues of importance to your nonprofit. Going beyond the process, this interactive session will provide examples of how coalitions have successfully shepherded policy changes through the legislative or regulatory process, and provide opportunities for participants to share their own experiences or challenges around coalition building the tap the expertise of the training presenter and participants.
Cost: $25 members; $35 non-members
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Volunteer Management & Mobilization for Advocacy Campaigns
November 10, 2009
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Johnson Center at GVSU
(Session 4 of 4 in the training series "Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities")
Volunteers can play a strategic role in helping a nonprofit achieve its advocacy goals; however, a nonprofit must be prepared with a volunteer network and know how to manage and mobilize that network in order to maximize their effect at the most critical moments of the advocacy campaign. Come to this session to hear about volunteer management and mobilization efforts already in existence, including examples of their successes and challenges. The workshop will include tips from a volunteer management expert on how to start and/or strengthen your own volunteer network in order to support your mission, influence elected officials, and influence the general public on behalf of your policy objectives.
Cost: $25 members; $35 non-members
Click Here to Register