The Opportunities and Challenges of Nonprofit Advocacy

On March 13, 2008, the PNLC, CSPG, and the Cowles Professorship hosted Professor Jeff Berry (Tufts University), Marcia Avner (Minnesota Council of Nonprofits), and Susie Brown (Family & Children’s Service) for a public discussion of the possibilities and challenges associated with nonprofit advocacy. Minnesota nonprofits have a long history of participating in public advocacy and thinking about how it fits within their missions. With the start of the legislative session, nonprofits are once again poised to play a vital role Minnesota's policy process. Nonprofit professionals discussed the advocacy efforts of Minnesota nonprofits and examined their role in the political process.