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Tools for Advocates

Knowing the political process, the key players and the lobbying rules are the first steps to being an effective advocate for children and youth. Partnership for Children is taking the guessing game out of the political process that is often intimidating to child advocates.

Download our advocacy toolkit: “Effective Child Advocacy in KS & MO”

Or click on the links below for more information pertaining to a specific topic.

The most effective advocacy often begins even before a legislator is elected to office. Check out our “Electoral Advocacy Toolkit” for tips on making children’s issues a priority with candidates without jeopardizing your non-profit status.

Know the Political Process

• The 3 Branches of Government
• How a Bill Becomes Law
• The Budget Cycle

Know the People The Key Players: What Power Do They Wield? Establishing Relationships with Elected Officials Know the Rules Advocacy vs. Lobbying for Non-Profits		Make an Impact! Developing and Communicating an Effective Advocacy Message Meetings with Legislators Site Visits Phone Calls Emails/Letters Providing Testimony

Electoral Advocacy

One of the most effective ways to participate in improving and initiating government programs and policies is through electoral advocacy. Electoral advocacy activities include policy questionnaires, candidate surveys and candidate forums. The best time to influence politicians is while they are candidates. Providing information to candidates will help increase your organization’s visibility and heighten your credibility as a trusted source of information on children’s issues.

Non-profit agencies registered as 501(c)3, 501(c)4, 501(c)6 organizations can get involved in electoral advocacy on all levels, from city councils to congressional elections, as long as they do so in a non-partisan manner. It is absolutely prohibited for non-profit organizations to support or oppose candidates for public office. In addition, all educational literature should have disclaimers stating that the organization is non-partisan.

Download PFC's “Guide to Electoral Advocacy.”

In addition, Partnership for Children has also compiled a more specific piece on “Hosting a Candidate Forum.”

Hosting a Candidate Forum is a great opportunity to raise the awareness of children’s needs as campaign issues, build relationships with candidates, and educate candidates and voters about the needs of children.