The Michigan Nonprofit Association will be offering the following advocacy training opportunties:

Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities
August - December 2009
Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Valley State University
Bicycle Factory, Suite 200, 201 Front Street SW, Grand Rapids

Nonprofits exist to meet critical needs in their communities. An essential part of creating change is advocating on behalf of those you serve. Oftentimes, creating widespread change requires a coordinated effort known as an "advocacy campaign": a campaign to educate, change attitudes and improve public policies in order to strengthen the community.

Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities is a series designed to give you and your organization the tools you need to build a successful and effective advocacy campaign. From the basics of nonprofit advocacy (to make sure you know the legal do's and don'ts for advocacy and lobbying) and communicating with the media and the general public, to coordinating volunteer networks and coalitions, these sessions will provide you with the necessary knowledge base and resources for starting an advocacy campaign or strengthening the efforts you already have in place.

Cracking the Code: Media Relations
August 18, 2009, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Effective advocacy not only includes working with elected officials, but also includes strategic interaction with the media and the public. This session focuses on the tricks of the trade for effective media relations, including...full description.

Public Policy 101: The Basics of Nonprofit Advocacy
September 15, 2009, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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...full description.

Coalition Building: Unified Voices for Sustainable Change
October 13, 2009, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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 training on how to spearhead coalition building around the issues of importance to your nonprofit...full description.

Volunteer Management & Mobilization for Advocacy Campaigns
November 10, 2009, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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. Learn about volunteer management and mobilization structures already in existence, and...full description.

Federal Appropriations: Knowing the Process, Having a Plan
December 8, 2009, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
An understanding of the federal appropriations process is critical for nonprofits who wish to advocate on behalf of improved federal funding for the issues they care about...full description.

For more information about these trainings and how to register, visit the Michigan Nonprofit Association.