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Throughout our nation’s history, advocacy by nonprofit organizations has led to fundamental reforms that have saved and improved lives and strengthened communities. At all levels of public and private decision-making, nonprofits have made a positive difference through everyday advocacy. There is no substitute for the thrill of engaging directly. But by examining case studies, charitable nonprofits can be inspired and learn how they too can make a difference by advancing their missions through advocacy.
“A Mere Mom Moves Mountains – and Legislation.” Anna McCartney is the embodiment of Arthur Ashe’s quote: “Start where you are; use what you have; do what you can.” This Seattle-area mom, who modestly proclaims “Gee, if I can do it, then anyone can do it,” has worked with various nonprofits to help pass legislation in Congress, the state legislature, and local governments. And to think that it all started with a simple breakfast with her baby...
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 Usually a new year opens with hopeful attitudes, but as we’ve checked-in recently with nonprofit leaders, family members, and friends across the country to ask how they are doing, instead of positive optimism, we’ve been hearing the words “fear,” “uncertainty,” and “paralysis.” We understand why. There is so much chaos happening in the political sphere, generating so much turmoil and uncertainty, that anxiety is running rampant. It may be your responsibility to make strategic decisions, but the future is so uncertain that the only thing many are able to be strategic about is finding time to keep up with the news. It seems as if the proverbial “scarcity mindset” has become the scared mindset. We know it’s bad because we’ve heard story after story about nonprofit leaders who say they have trouble focusing. In trying to make sense of the rapidly changing environment, they toggle constantly to their cell phones so they won’t miss the latest Tweet or news feed. Some report being unable to sleep, or feeling whip-lashed by events whether on Capitol Hill, or in their own statehouses, that will affect the people their nonprofit serves. They are extremely worried - not just about funding, but about an unknown future that feels like it will be different in fundamental ways. What’s happening, and what can nonprofit leaders do about it? Just in time, there’s a new book that we recommend for every executive director’s reading list. For your nonprofit, and for those your nonprofit serves, and for your own well-being - make time to read this book! Here’s why you need to read The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit now! In addition to reading The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit, we hope you will be part of a very special webinar program on April 25, 2017 with Beth Kanter, who will both (1) share her personal journey towards a happy, healthy culture of wellbeing, and (2) pass along lots of tips that you won’t want to miss. This webinar will be a terrific way to share the wisdom of a happy, healthy workplace with your team and board members. Stay tuned for registration information coming your way directly from your state association of nonprofits. Meanwhile you can get a preview of the authors’ advice on our blog. Copyright 2017 National Council of Nonprofits. All rights reserved.
1001 G Street NW, Suite 700 East Washington, DC 20001 www.councilofnonprofits.org March 23 -or- March 24th. Does your messaging move legislators, community leaders or even friends to act? Have you analyzed your brochures, communication and messaging for effectiveness? Ilsa Flanagan partners with forward thinking leaders to design groundbreaking solutions to society’s most complex problems. She is currently leading the National Human Services Assembly’s Reframing Initiative, mobilizing the sector to integrate research-based communications to deepen understanding of human needs and encourage more vibrant civic participation for social change. n this presentation, you will hear the findings from this groundbreaking research and learn about common communications traps that tend to suppress support for our work. We will walk through a new and robust narrative and set of tools and resources that are free to the public and ready for you to use! REGISTER HERE!
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