Independent Sector is proud to offer the Public Policy Action Institute (PPAI) as one of our signature programs. The Institute draws more than 150 senior-level nonprofit CEOs and advocacy leaders from across the country. It truly is our premiere policy gathering of the year.
Now in its tenth year, the Institute features thought-provoking discussions and timely expert presentations on the key issues facing the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. Learn the most effective methods for conveying our messages and information to policymakers.
Saturday
10:45 am – 12:15 pm
The Power of the Sector to Change People’s Lives: Why We Advocate – Keynote Address and Response
The tenth annual Public Policy Action Institute will kick off with an inspiring address on the influence and impact of the
charitable and philanthropic community's voice in the public debate, as we strive toward a more civil society of active
citizens, effective institutions, and vibrant communities. Nonprofit leaders will relate themes from the keynote address
to the key issues facing our sector today.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Networking Lunch
Get to know your colleagues from around the country during this unique networking event. Use The Hub, our online conference
networking site, to schedule a "meet-up" with someone, or let fate decide and choose to "mix-it-up." This is your time to
connect and to learn from one another. You bring your expertise and interests and we'll provide the food!
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Strategies for Enhancing Your Advocacy Capacity and Effectiveness
Building on advocacy success stories of those who have been uniquely effective, sector strategists will lead a discussion
on tactics and techniques for building and strengthening your advocacy muscle. From overcoming funding barriers
(perceived or real) to improving organizational efficiency, this session will give you a blueprint for moving your
advocacy program to the next level. Also, is having a (c)(4) the only way to have real advocacy success?
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm
What You Can Learn from State and Local Challenges
State lawmakers are increasingly looking towards the nonprofit sector in efforts to balance budgets and bolster
local economies. While many of these developments have been successfully challenged, others have not. Will federal
lawmakers look to these state trends when considering federal tax reform? Hear from nonprofit and government leaders
at the state level on what to expect as lawmakers explore these issues.
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Advocacy and Hot Topic Roundtables
Get a hands-on take of specific advocacy strategies and the latest policy issues through in-depth small group
conversations. Advocacy and policy experts will lead these discussions twice so that you can choose the two
topics most relevant to your work.
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Networking Reception
Join your colleagues for refreshments as we wrap up the first day of PPAI.
Sunday
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Breakfast with a Washington Insider
Join us for a continental breakfast and the opportunity to hear the inside-the-Beltway viewpoint on upcoming
tax reform and how the charitable sector can more effectively advocate on behalf of those we serve.
9:45 am – 11:15 am
The Art of the Ask: Policy Messaging to Get the Response You Want
Deciding how to frame your message and choosing the words that will move people to act is critical to any
advocacy effort. Learn from communication experts and practitioners how to identify and tailor language
that resonates with different audiences. Through interactive exercises, you will create multi-pronged
messages – designed for unique audiences but within one framework – to reach your targets and get them to act.
11:15 am – Noon
What's Next? Working on Sector-wide Issues in 2013
Culminate the Institute with an interactive session where participants will draw on the key themes that emerge
over the preceding day and a half, and identify the issues that matter to them in 2013. Together we’ll make a
commitment to working on these critical policy issues and rally for the important year ahead.
Noon
PPAI Adjourns
1:30 pm
Main Conference Begins
