Advocacy and Public Policy Resources

General guidelines

Nonprofit organizations are allowed to do advocacy and lobbying, although there are some restrictions.

• Nonprofit Advocacy is NEEDED– National Council of Nonprofits
• Beyond the Cause: The Art and Science of Advocacy
• 501(c)(3) Permissible Activities 

Getting started

Here is some useful information to help you get started on an advocacy or lobbying campaign.

• Why & The Basics – National Council of Nonprofits
• Nonprofits and Lobbying

Lobbying

Confused about Massachusetts lobbying requirements and if you might need to register as a lobbyist? The following information will help.

• MNN Advocacy vs. Lobbying Guide
• Lobbyist Registration and Reporting System – Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth

Sample phone/mail text

If you are trying to encourage people to contact their legislators about a certain issue, it’s helpful to provide them with as much information on the issue as possible. Here are some suggestions for phone and mail (could also be used for e-mail) scripts.

• Writing a Letter to Your Legislator – Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest

Contact information

Need to find your legislators?

• Governor Baker/Lieutenant Governor Polito and Cabinet
• State Senators/Representatives
• US Senators: Senator Edward J. Markey and Senator Elizabeth Warren
• US Representatives

Other advocacy and public policy resources

• The Public Policy Institute
• Nonprofit VOTE