3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, and
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, October 26

The Public Policy Action Institute brought experienced lobbyists and newcomers to advocacy together to share tools and strategies for influencing legislative, regulatory, and budget actions affecting the charitable sector. A cornerstone of IS’s Policy Action Network, the Institute this year took full advantage of its proximity to officials in the nation’s capital. The first day of sessions, which began immediately following the conclusion of Independent Sector’s 25th Anniversary Conference, featured some of the sector’s most experienced policy advocates. On the second day, participants heard from key players in Congress and the Administration and met with legislators and staff.

Tuesday, October 25

3:00 to 3:45 p.m. -- Washington Update
The Institute began with a review by IS’s team of policy experts of the latest developments on congressional and regulatory activities, the outlook for the coming year, and how charities and foundations can get engaged.

• Steven Bloom, director, government relations, Independent Sector
• Nick Giordano, partner, Washington Council Ernst & Young
• Pat Read, senior vice president, public policy and government affairs,
  Independent Sector

3:45 to 4:45 p.m. -- Shaping the Federal Budget
The looming federal deficit has raised the stakes for budget debates in Congress that will affect funding for a wide range of programs that are critical to nonprofits and the communities they serve. Get the facts about the budget choices that lie ahead and learn when and how to take action on budget issues to have the greatest impact.

• Alan J. Abramson, director, Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program, The Aspen Institute
• Ellen Nissenbaum, legislative director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

4:45 to 5:45 p.m. -- Increasing Our Leverage in the Political Process
Three top nonprofit lobbyists shared information about their practices, their advocacy networks and models, and how they leverage influence in the political process. Gain tips and strategies to increase the effectiveness of your lobbying efforts and the political power of our sector.

• Brenda Girton-Mitchell, associate general secretary for public policy, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
• Ron Soloway, managing director of government and external relations, UJA–Federation of
  New York
• Rick Swartz, president, Strategic Solutions Washington

5:45 to 6:30 p.m. -- Making the Most of Your Washington Meetings
From talking points to role-playing exercises, participants learned about how to communicate effectively with key leaders in Congress and the Administration.

• Nick Giordano, partner, Washington Council Ernst & Young
• Pat Read, senior vice president, public policy and government affairs, Independent Sector
• Tim Urban, partner, Washington Council Ernst & Young

7:00 to 9:00 p.m. -- Dinner at Red Sage
Lessons and laughter with colleagues over a relaxing dinner at Red Sage restaurant,
605 14th Street, NW.

Wednesday, October 26

8:00 to 9:00 a.m. -- Continental Breakfast and Preparations for the Day
IS policy experts were on hand to review strategies and notes to prepare for the day’s meetings.

9:00 a.m. to Noon -- Engaging with Federal Regulators
The policies and regulations established by several key federal agencies have a tremendous bearing on the work of charitable organizations. Hear the latest developments on the White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, learn about the reforms the Internal Revenue Service has in store for nonprofits from leaders of the IRS’s Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division, and find out about critical initiatives ahead from leaders in the Treasury Department and Office of Management and Budget.

• James D. Foster, associate director, economic policy, Office of Management and Budget
• Steven T. Miller, commissioner of the Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division,
  Internal Revenue Service
• James Towey, assistant to the President of the United States; director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Noon -- Board Buses for Capitol Hill, Lunch

12:30 to 3:30 p.m. -- Sessions with Staff of Senate Finance Committee, House Ways and Means Committee
Capitol Hill lunch and meetings with key congressional staff and representatives of Senate and House Committees that oversee tax, budget, and regulations of nonprofit organizations. (Participants can opt out of these sessions if they choose to arrange their own Hill meetings.)

• Remarks: Senator Rick Santorum, Pennsylvania


• Randy Brandt, policy director and counsel, Senate Republican Conference
• John Buckley, chief tax counsel, minority staff, U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means
• Melanie Looney, legislative counsel, Office of Senator Rick Santorum
• Jon Selib, tax counsel, minority staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
• Dean Zerbe, tax counsel, majority staff, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance

Electronic delivery of conference information is made possible by a grant from the American Express Company.