Public Policy Action Institute

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Independent Sector’s sixth annual Public Policy Action Institute will bring together nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, and communications professionals to develop winning strategies to influence legislation and regulations affecting the ability of nonprofits and foundations to serve their communities. Participants in the institute, to be held the day-and-a-half before the conference, will explore the 2010 political landscape at the state and federal levels, join in compelling roundtables on policy issues confronting today's nonprofit sector, and discuss the most effective communications and advocacy strategies to convey your message to lawmakers and other government officials.

Registration Rates:

IS/CMF Members: $150
Non-members: $270

Click to Register

SCHEDULE
(Dates and times are subject to change.)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

10:00 a.m.

Welcome and Introductions

10:15 a.m.

The 2010 Political Landscape at the State and Federal Level
As the new administration and 111th Congress wrap up their first year, Nick Giordano, partner with Washington Council Ernst & Young, will review what was accomplished, what remains to be done, and what can be expected in the year ahead. Meagan Dorsch, public affairs manager for the National Council of State Legislatures, will discuss how states are addressing the fiscal crisis, as well as the political challenges and issues states will face in 2010.

11:30 a.m.

Senate Finance Committee: A View from the Inside
Senator Debbie Stabenow (invited), a member of both the Senate Finance Committee and the Budget Committee, will share her views on the implications of the fiscal challenges facing the federal government, as well as other issues affecting the work of foundations and nonprofits in the coming years.

12:00 p.m.

Deli and Discussion
Grab some lunch and join a tabletop discussion to share lessons about and design strategies for addressing such issues as the national broadband plan and its implications for foundations and nonprofits, restrictions on lobbyists and lobbying, the 2010 census and redistricting efforts, health care reform, tax incentives for charitable giving, and reforming the government contracting process.

1:30 p.m.

Tax Reform and the Nonprofit Community
Several tax provisions enacted in 2001 and 2002 are set to expire next year, setting off a major effort by Congress to examine and reform federal tax policies. How will these changes impact the nonprofit and philanthropic community, and what do we need to do to prepare? Three members of the U.S. House of Representatives plan to join this discussion if schedules allow. A team of Capitol Hill veterans will also be on hand to share insights for addressing these critical issues.

2:45 p.m.

Break

3:00 p.m.

Making the Case for Investing in Advocacy
Policy advisors and advocates are always making the case for their organizations to invest -- or keep investing -- in advocacy. This can require convincing a board, a donor, and even senior management. A panel of experts will discuss research and techniques that help make the case that investing in advocacy can produce real progress toward the outcomes an organization seeks.

Speakers:

• Aaron Dorfman, executive director, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
• Jared Raynor, senior consultant, TCC Group

4:15 p.m.

Using Networks to Build Capacity for Policy Advocacy
A strong network is essential to achieving real policy change -- but what does it take to build an effective, lasting coalition? Learn from three outstanding leaders about the strategies they have used to build successful policy networks and coalitions.

Speakers:

• Ellen Buchman, vice president, field operations, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights
• AnnMaura Connolly, senior vice president, City Year
• Jennifer Kottler, senior political director, Sojourners

5:30 p.m.

Wrap-Up

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.

Building Effective Relationships with State Government
State governments have significant authority to regulate foundations and nonprofits, and make critical decisions about how programs and services will be funded and delivered. This session will examine the approaches taken in three different Midwestern states to build stronger relationships between the nonprofit community and state governments.

Speakers:

• Karen Aldridge-Eason, foundation liaison, State of Michigan
• Laurel O'Sullivan, senior director, public policy, Donors Forum
• Jon Pratt, executive director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

9:45 a.m.

Break

10:00 a.m.

Evaluating Advocacy
There has been tremendous creativity and growth in the field of advocacy evaluation over the last several years, and there are now multiple tools and a growing base of experience to help funders and nonprofits assess their lobbying and advocacy efforts. Three experts who have been at the center of these efforts will draw from their experiences to explain the value of different approaches to evaluation. Participants will be see a growing set of tools, methods, and resources in this field, and will walk away with a starter kit developed specifically for grantmakers interested in getting more involved with advocacy evaluation.

Speakers:

• Gigi Barsoum, health policy specialist, The California Endowment
• Julia Coffman, senior consultant, Harvard Family Research Project
• Ehren Reed, senior associate, Innovation Network

11:15 a.m.

The Role of Communications in Advocacy
What communications strategies will best enhance our lobbying and advocacy efforts? This session will explore how various communications tools -- from traditional media to e-communications to social networking -- have helped or hindered nonprofits and foundations in conveying their value and their policy positions effectively.

Speakers:

• Candy Hill, senior vice president, social policy, Catholic Charities USA  
• David Morse, vice president, communications, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

12:30 p.m.

Wrap-Up and Adjournment