The Federal Election Nonprofit Advocacy Guide is a practical guide for those wishing to engage in advocacy during the 2021 federal election; it will help inform a range of nonprofit stakeholders, including executive directors, staff, board members and volunteers. The Guide contains valuable information about the context, rules, and strategies that can be used to support nonprofit contributions to public policy dialogue and development.

No matter how you use this guide, our intent is that it contributes to a healthy and participatory democratic process through the invaluable contributions of the nonprofits across Alberta.

chapter 1: the importance of advocacy and the role that nonprofits play

We live in a world of budget and resource limitations, differing opinions and conflicting priorities. Engaging in advocacy is an opportunity for nonprofits to share their priorities with the public, represent communities, advance policies, and promote funding of meaningful objectives. Nonprofits engaging in advocacy work bring benefits to communities at large but also bring benefits to the organization through opportunities of attracting greater attention and creating broader impact. To demonstrate the collective impact of nonprofits on Canadian society and the economy, this chapter also highlights three major contributions of the sector.

chapter 2: Navigating the canadian government

You can empower your nonprofit to engage with the Federal Government by knowing more about the types of decisions it makes, and the services and programs it provides. Being aware of the appropriate avenues to address policy concerns is one of the first steps towards effective advocacy and engagement for your nonprofit. This knowledge can elevate your advocacy efforts by ensuring the actors targeted are well positioned to listen, consult, and provide actionable solutions to your concerns.

CHAPTER 3: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT FOR NONPROFIT ADVOCACY

Before engaging in public policy advocacy, nonprofits should make sure they understand the rules and regulations around what they can and cannot do, so that they can engage with clarity and confidence. Knowing the rules can empower your nonprofit to lead and provoke important discussions. An election is a great opportunity to advocate for public benefit. The first steps to becoming informed, involve the understanding of three relevant regulatory areas: Canada Revenue Agency’s Regulations, Lobbying, and Third-Party Advertising.

CHAPTER 4: DEVELOPING AN ELECTION ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

The development and implementation of an engagement strategy is often when the work becomes publicly visible. Choosing to make your policy priorities visible is a significant step for your nonprofit and should be approached in a coordinated and strategic manner. This chapter focuses on tackling the shorter-term objectives through various tactics, which all work toward achieving longer term advocacy goals.

CHAPTER 5: TIPS FOR ENGAGING WITH THE MEDIA

Engaging with media outlets is one tactic to consider in your engagement strategy. Media exposure can help bring awareness to your causes and start public dialogue and collaboration among community members. This chapter highlights tips provided by CCVO’s trusted contacts in media, that can help make your outreach to media more effective.

CHAPTER 6: AFTER THE ELECTION

Following the election, while the shock waves of the campaign still echo, it’s time to start focusing your policy priorities and planning your advocacy efforts for the future. That’s when the real work begins.