As we all know, advocacy is part of the mission at almost every nonprofit. What is not often discussed is that many government affairs professionals say it’s getting harder to do and they need more effective tactics. In a challenging environment, optimization matters. While technical tweaks and testing help, there’s a lot to be said for processes and practices designed to maximize impact — and there’s a lot you can do to improve your program.

Here are six tips to improve and pitfalls to avoid, most of which are low- or no-cost.

Having your supporters share their stories, as opposed to sending a form letter, is powerful. These stories provide the constituent anecdotes that lawmakers need to support a position. Many in your audience are willing — perhaps even eager — to talk about their situation, but they sometimes need help getting started. Systems that prompt your supporters for information, rather than just giving them a text box, result in rich, personalized anecdotes that move the needle. (Sophisticated teams will also use this process to tag supporters with key attributes, which can help in the future).

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society regularly uses personal stories and took the strategy further this year when the Senate Finance Committee invited the organization to testify about prescription drug prices. Using personal anecdotes obtained through multiple advocacy campaigns, Steffany Stern, the nonprofit’s vice president of advocacy, told the committee real stories about Lisa in Michigan, Helen in Massachusetts and others.

“It was really great to do a search, scan through a document in 10 minutes and grab five stories that hit on this,” Laura Bennett, director of grassroots advocacy at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said.

2. Engage beyond critical votes. Your advocates push members of Congress and state legislatures on issues, but they should also help you build relationships with those same lawmakers.

Episode 3: How would you respond if your primary funder decided to move your contract to another provider? In 2021, Child Advocates suddenly was forced to regroup and redefine its work. In this podcast episode, CEO Cindy Booth shares how board and staff leadership moved forward. One year later, Child Advocates 2.0 is growing again with a new contract that is furthering their statewide aspirations. Listen

Leadership Indianapolis is accepting applications for its Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series^®. Participants in the 10-month series will gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing Indianapolis and an opportunity to build strong relationships with other community leaders. Apply by June 8.

Hoosier Women Forward is seeking applicants for its fifth class of participants. Women selected for the 2022-2023 class will be connected to people, policies and experiences that are designed to enhance their leadership skills. Apply by June 22.

The Neighborhood Grant Program, which seeks to increase resident engagement, promote neighborhood action, and establish new and stronger relationships among neighbors and community-based organizations, is accepting grant requests for up to $10,000. Apply by June 6.

Miller Summer Mission for Children has granted Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People a $2,250 grant to support the nonprofit’s Camp Healing Tree. Proceeds will be used to support grieving youth ages 7-17 by connecting them with other youth who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Read more

The new Indianapolis-based nonprofit Indy Dance Council has launched an online platform to promote activities related to the Indianapolis dance scene. The platform includes educational information, a directory of studio listings, performances, events and other resources for dancers to easily find. Read more

Indianapolis-based Habitat Sartorial, a fashion design and custom printing company, has announced that it is donating all proceeds from custom clothing orders back to each nonprofit client’s organization. Learn more

Racial Equity Institute’s Groundwater approach training on June 1 at 9 a.m. is designed to help participants internalize the reality of a racially structured society that is defined and supported by multiple social systems. The interactive session illustrates the importance of addressing the lack of equity within systems. Presented by Racial Equity Institute. Cost: Free. Register

Driving nonprofit performance and innovation virtual class from June 2-9. Participants will learn to think conceptually about performance measurement and how to lead performance-focused initiatives that will empower their organizations and drive new levels of success. Presented by Harvard Business School. Cost: $3,750. Register

Find existing data webinar on June 7 from 9-11 a.m. covers the strengths, weaknesses, and costs of readily available data sets. Presented by SAVI Data Literacy. Cost: Free. Register

Low-cost ways to boost planned gifts webinar on June 9 at 2 p.m. Learn how to inspire legacy giving without breaking the budget. Presented by Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: $69. Register

Midwest Volunteerism Summit on June 9 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. will focus on how to measure the impact of volunteers' involvement on an organization's mission and corporate social responsibility. Presented by Central Indiana Association of Volunteer Administration. Cost: $70 members/$90 nonmembers. Register

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging monthly virtual training series on Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m., starting July 13. Participants in the six-month session will learn how to make their organization a more supportive and engaging place to work by addressing unconscious bias, and fostering an inclusive environment. Presented by Purple Ink. Cost: $1,350. Learn more and register

Indianapolis Bar Association is offering free legal assistance for extended hours on June 14 from 6-8 p.m. Chat or call 317-269-2000.

Changing Footprint needs volunteers to sort, pair and categorize shoes on Thursdays from noon-2 p.m. at 10291 N. Meridian St. Learn more and register

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