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Advocacy How-To Resources

Can Nonprofits Lobby?

Bolder Advocacy, a program of the Alliance for Justice, has resources for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations on the topic of lobbying and how to do so within the law. Generally, nonprofit organizations can lobby they spend less than 5% of their time on lobbying activities. This is the default measure used for nonprofits called the "insubstantial part" test. Read more here. If organizations are expanding their lobbying effort, to be a regular part of their activities, they may want to consider the 501(h) election, which provides a specific calculation for permissible lobbying beyond the "less than 5%" guideline. Read more here. 

E-Learning Module: Advocating for Students 

NCAN's e-learning platform provides learning opportunities for college access and success professionals. Under the "Advocating for Students" banner, NCAN members can access the "Policy & Advocacy 101" course which covers the basics of how to advocate for change in federal higher education policy. Participants will learn how nonprofits can legally advance policy change; the difference between advocacy and lobbying; how to be an effective advocate; and how to prepare for meetings with an elected officials.

NCAN Advocacy Training Modules and Resources

Whether you are new to advocacy or an experienced advocate, your voice is needed to help amplify federal policy solutions to close equity gaps in postsecondary attainment. Below are some tips to help plan your visits with elected representatives.

  • How to Conduct a Congressional Meeting - slide deck
  • How to Schedule a Congressional Meeting - slide deck
  • How to Tell an Advocacy Story and Craft a Pitch - slide deck
  • How to Build Relationships with Elected Officials: 10 Steps -  blog 

Recess Meeting Toolkit

“Recess” makes most educational professionals think of a time when students have a break from the classroom and have time to play. But to Congress, it’s the unofficial name for a “district work period” – when members of Congress leave Washington, DC and head home to meet with constituents. NCAN encourages members to take advantage of recesses to meet with their elected officials. These are also great opportunities to host students in meetings to talk about the challenges they face. Recesses are often in the spring (around Easter and Passover), late summer in August, and in the fall (around Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur). Download the toolkit.

Guide to Writing an Op-Ed

One effective way to advocate for your priorities, and elevate your voice (or the voices of your students) in service of a cause, is by writing an op-ed. To serve you in this effort, NCAN has drafted a guide of general tips and an outline to help you get started. Writing as an advocacy tool allows you to bring attention to an issue and share your personal experiences. Through your advocacy, you can play a great role in policy change. Download the guide.