Guest post by Kelley M. Gilbert, Director of Government Relations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Over 100 nonprofit leaders gathered in San Francisco to discuss the impact of comprehensive tax reform on the nonprofit sector and the communities they serve at Independent Sector's Public Policy Action Institute (PPAI). Central to the discussion was the need to develop a tax structure that supports charitable organizations - upon which millions of Americans rely for vital programs and services – while simultaneously increasing our nation’s revenue.

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Guest post by Becky Davis, Director of Organizational Social Work, University of Maryland

We need to get more innovative with how we fund the nonprofit sector. It's no surprise that as budgets continue to tighten, we need to get creative about how we infuse dollars into nonprofit programs.

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Guest post by Judy Barrett Miller, Public Policy Consultant, YMCA of the USA

"What's Catching Fire at the State Level," caught my attention at Independent Sector's 2012 Public Policy Action Institute in San Francisco. Interesting perspectives were shared through the lens of what state legislatures are looking at, the regulators view of what's taking place and what needs further scrutiny, and the trends and impact seen from a national nonprofit organization. 

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Guest post by Lisa Jaguzny, Executive Director, Campion Foundation

This afternoon at the Public Policy Action Institute, attendees got a detailed briefing from Diana Aviv, on Independent Sector’s latest report: Beyond The Cause – The Art and Science of Advocacy.  After the morning's download on the current state of affairs in Washington, D.C. and state legislatures, this session was well-timed. Whether you're a representative of a foundation or a non-profit, you are undoubtedly focused on making the most of the next four years, and tuning up your understanding of advocacy "practices" is likely at the top of your list.

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Guest post by Jeanne Kojis, Executive Director at Nonprofit Network Southwest Washington

In this lively session experienced policy leaders profiled different tactics to communicate messages and build relationships with policy makers.
 
First rule of all communications is to know your audiences, in both the broad general sense as well as individually. Broadly speaking – U.S. Senators have a considerable power as individuals. The House of Representatives is much more about the power of that entire body – individual representatives have far less leverage.

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