The Independent Sector Public Policy Department works to keep its network of policy advisors and advocates informed, connected, and engaged through the following communication tools and programs:

Advocacy Webinar Series
Periodic webinars to help nonprofits be more effective advocates.  In 2010, the first series of five webinars will focus on both improving and measuring the effectiveness of an organization’s policy efforts.

Daily Policy Digest
An email summary of the day's nonprofit community news from leading public policy news sources sent to more than 900 individuals at member organizations.

Monthly Legislative Updates
This monthly in-person and teleconference gathering in Washington, D.C. helps IS members learn about the latest federal policy developments affecting our community and strategies for sharing solutions and concerns with Congress and the administration.

Public Policy Action Institute
The Public Policy Action Institute, held the day-and-a-half prior to the IS National Conference, brings 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.

Issue Briefings
Teleconferences that provide IS members and non-member allies with in-depth information on how major policy issues could affect the work of the nonprofit and philanthropic community.  In 2010, briefings will be held on the second Friday of each month, on topics such as tax incentives for charitable giving, nonprofits and job creation policies, the future of health care reform, and increasing access to capital/credit.

Policy Updates / Action Alert Emails
The Policy Action Network, the individuals in member organizations who have self-identified as being particularly interested in policy issues, receive regular email updates from IS policy staff on the hot issues in the sector.  Staff on PAN also receive breaking news and action alerts.

MEMBER CONNECT/ Member Messages
The entire IS membership is kept informed of IS policy work through the monthly Memo to Members e-newsletter, as well as periodic emails on key issues.

Issue-Specific Ad Hoc Task Forces
As needed, IS convenes members to strategize and act cohesively on a specific issue affecting the sector.

Washington D.C. Activities
Periodically, IS will host guest speakers, Hill events, or in-person trainings to expose our members to notables from the legislative or executive branch of government, or to spotlight our members to various Washington audiences.