Join the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Ohio Chapter for a joint program that highlights the value of nonprofit advocacy work.

Getting involved in public policy is a great way to share the mission of your organization, impact supportive legislation, and maintain dollars for your nonprofit. Legislative issues are something that every nonprofit leader and fundraiser should understand.

Many nonprofit organizations are hesitant to advocate fearing that they are not allowed to lobby. The fact is, nonprofit organizations ARE ALLOWED to lobby and should. If you are not making the voice of your organization heard, others are making public policy decisions that are impacting your constituents. It is through your advocacy program that you can educate and inform elected officials and bring about change.

Join us for the pre-luncheon session
An Introduction to Legislative Affairs and Advocacy
(You must be signed up for the luncheon to attend the pre-lunch session)
Sept. 14, 2010
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., 10:30 Registration
During this session, Marty Sweterlitsch, OANO’s Board Chair and attorney with Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, will discuss how nonprofits can effectively engage in legislative efforts without violating their tax exempt status and how advocacy work impacts an organization’s bottom line.

Ms. Sweterlitsch will provide tips on building relationships with legislators and how to get involved in the legislative process to make a difference for your organization. Topics covered will include:
o The difference between advocacy and lobbying
o The do’s and don’ts of lobbying
o The legislative process and the most effective ways to communicate and become involved
o How to involve your clients for greater impact
o Case studies of effective nonprofit advocacy programs

Luncheon Session
Advocacy Effects All Nonprofits
Sept. 14, 2010
11:30 Registration (if not attending pre-lunch session)
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Ms. Sweterlitsch will review what every nonprofit should know about legislative affairs and will moderate a panel with Bill Faith, Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness & Housing; and Denise Robinson, President & CEO of Alvis, Inc. Panel participants will discuss advocacy efforts from a statewide and local perspective. They will share case studies from their organizations and also participate in Q & A.

To RSVP, you may either reply to centralohioafp@cs.com or call our RSVP hotline at 614-884-7780 ext 4. You must RSVP no later than Sept. 9, 2010.

Fees: OANO and/or AFP Members: $20/each
Nonmembers: $30/each

Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations   100 E. Broad Street, Suite 2440, Columbus OH 43215-3119
Phone: 614-280-0233   Fax: 614-280-0657   Info@OANO.org