The Legislative Labyrinth: A Map for Not-for-Profits (The AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series) - Hardcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

WALTER P. PIDGEON Jr. is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America. He is also the author of The Universal Benefits of Volunteering (Wiley).

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A simple, practical guide to help not-for-profit organizations lobby local, state, and federal legislative bodies

Only a fraction of not-for-profit organizations take advantage of the legislative process in representing their members and their organization s goals. Yet lobbying is an important way to gain visibility, attract members, and find new sources of funding. This book is designed to help the modern not-for-profit develop and implement an effective lobbying program without jeopardizing its tax-exempt status. Dr. Pidgeon and the contributers he has assembled provide in-depth analysis of all the major issues of the lobbying process, including:

• The basics of lobbying
• The structure of local, state, and federal government
• Using the mass media to spread the message
• Political action committees (PACs)
• Marketing and communication strategies
• Strategic partnerships
• The legal aspects of government affairs and lobbying
• When and how to use outside consultants
• A strategic, step-by-step plan for success

A CD-ROM with a wide-ranging array of tables, forms, and checklists as well as a complete model strategic plan is included. When used in conjunction with the CD-ROM, The Legislative Labyrinth is a comprehensive guide that explains and simplifies the process of developing and maintaining an effective, efficient government affairs program. This wealth of wise and insightful advice will help executive directors, board members, consultants, and lobbyists find creative, effective ways to earn the attention their organizations deserve.

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A complete and up-to-date guide to utilizing the complicated legislative system for not-for-profit organizations and their leaders

It is important for successful not-for-profit organizations to take advantage of the legislative process. But when we think of the act of lobbying, what comes to mind is often the image of special interests using their power to influence the legislative process for their own financial benefit. But despite this image, lobbying is often the key way a not-for-profit can make its concerns heard by local, state, and federal government. In fact, most not-for-profits simply are not aware of the extent to which the legislative process can be used to further the organization s mission while still staying within the boundaries of murky IRS regulations. This book not only highlights the importance and the benefits of lobbying but also serves as a comprehensive guide to the best ways to successfully lobby legislative bodies.

As CEO of a high-profile not-for-profit organization, Walter "Bud" Pidgeon has brought together seven experts in government affairs while also using his years of experience designing and implementing not-for-profit strategies to provide straightforward answers to difficult questions concerning the government affairs process. He and his fellow contributors provide a detailed overview of the government affairs process and the structure of local, state, and federal government before providing in-depth advice on using the mass media to spread your message, forming political action committees (PACs), developing marketing and communications strategies, forming strategic partnerships, using outside consultants, and much more. Simple, practical, and easy to use, The Legislative Labyrinth provides insightful advice and step-by-step instructions that cover all the important topics not-for-profit executives and directors must consider.

The Legislative Labyrinth includes a CD-ROM with a wide-ranging array of tables, forms, and checklists as well as a complete model strategic plan. Used in conjunction with the CD-ROM, this comprehensive and helpful guide explains and simplifies the process of developing and maintaining an effective and efficient government affairs program. Executive directors, board members, consultants, and lobbyists will learn to effectively utilize the legislative system without jeopardizing the reputation, status, or fiscal health of almost any not-for-profit organization from the smallest basement operation to the largest nationwide group.