Policy Advocacy for Nonprofit Leaders in Chicago

Level up your nonprofit’s impact by integrating policy advocacy into your strategy or strengthen your current approach with expert tips on influencing local, state, and federal government. New America Chicago’s CivicSpace initiative and The Chicago Community Trust are hosting a workshop to help your organization take community priorities from bold ideas to policy reality. This special fall convening will include guidance for how to handle veto session and lame duck as well as planning for the upcoming legislative session.

Designed especially for Chicago nonprofit leaders and open to anyone, this workshop will include expert presentations to show you the ropes and give you a chance to work through potential policy ideas with peers. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other area nonprofits with similar interests to take the first step towards building collective power. Whether you want to influence policy decisions already being made, build support for new ideas, or plan your policy strategy for the coming year, this workshop will get you started.

Agenda *may be subject to change

• 10:00am: Welcome & Introductions
• 10:20am: Just the Facts: Primer on Basic Advocacy
• 10:40am: Making Change Real at the Local Level
• 11:15am: Working for Change at the State Level
• 11:45am: Impacting Federal Decisions
• 12:30pm: Fall Workshop: How to Get the Most Out of Veto Session & Lame Duck
• 1:00pm: Preparing a Policy Agenda for Spring Session (One-on-One Support Available)

Speakers

• Meegan Dugan Adell – New America Chicago – Director
• Kimberly Drew – KD Strategic Advocacy & Consulting – Founder & Principal Consultant
• Torrence Gardner – Chicago Community Trust – Manager of Policy Change
• Aimee Ramirez – Chicago Community Trust – Director of Policy Change

Register today as there is limited capacity. You may also join for certain sessions or the entire event depending on your interests.

Questions? Please contact Vanessa Rangel ([email protected]).