http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog Nonprofit advocacy news and commentary Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:43:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Seems like there is a lot of secret government information collected in Washington, the country and the world with no apologies or compunction to share.  At the same time, there are calls for more openness and transparency for charities and nonprofit organizations.  Obviously, there is a need to collect sensitive ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2008/01/22/turning-tables-on-govt-sunshine-on-data/ It’s not too late to make another resolution – to make your government relations and lobbying program more active in 2008. While most of the media attention is focused on the upcoming presidential election, lots of other activity is also happening in the public policy arena.  Given the many serious issues ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2008/01/10/resolve-to-advance-advocacy/ Happy 2008 to all readers.  With all the media coverage, polls and pundits, it's hard to miss that the new year is off to a fast start with the first wave of presidential caucuses and primaries.  We’ll have 10 more months to hear about presidential candidates and the experience, views ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2008/01/03/new-year-new-opportunities-for-leadership/ Here we are on December 20 and for those who celebrate Christmas, time is running out.  As usual, like many folks, I get caught up in ensuring that everyone on my gift list is taken care of, the house is decorated and this year, cookies got baked.  My elderly father ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/12/20/in-the-spirit-of-the-season/ Here we are again, edging toward the end of 2007 and the Congress and the President still haven’t finalized most federal agency budgets.  In fact, they’ve only completed one – defense dept.  The government is limping along on "continuing resolutions" aimed at keeping programs going and avoiding government shut down.  ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/12/17/no-way-to-fund-a-country/ When it comes to long-term lobbying, not too many issues equal tobacco control.  There have been many successes in curtailing cigarette marketing to children, restricting smoking in public places and increasing funding for prevention and cessation.  However, these victories were achieved with much blood, sweat and patience, coupled with overcoming ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/12/12/lobbying-for-the-long-haul/ Today’s Washington Post featured a front page article highlighting the funding earmarks that local US Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) championed.  Of course Mr. Hoyer defends his practice of encouraging his colleagues to include funding for programs he deems important.  Naturally, many of these programs are in his home district.  Anybody ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/12/10/one-mans-pork-anothers-lifesaver/ A headline in a Bloomberg news article - “U.S. Emergency Rooms Aren’t Prepared for Children” - caught my attention and got my advocate brain in gear.  I hate to criticize emergency rooms since most do their best to provide quick and competent care.  But, they should have all the necessary ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/12/04/a-ripe-lobbying-issue/ Colleagues at OMB Watch, Tufts University and the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) published a new book - Seen but not Heard that presents findings from a variety of data -- surveys, focus groups and interviews on the state of nonprofit advocacy.  While it is very commendable ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/11/29/becoming-seen-and-heard/ Welcome to the Advance Advocacy Blog. Through this new blog I hope to post current news and stories related to nonprofit organization advocacy and lobbying. I will also add my thoughts and invite others to comment.  My goal is to make this blog an interactive supportive environment for positive policy change. The Internal ... http://advanceadvocacy.com/blog/2007/10/22/hello-world/