Advocacy vs. Lobbying vs. Electioneering
Date & Time:
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
1–2 PM Eastern | 10–11 AM Pacific
Format:
Live Workshop
Available On Demand (September 25, 2025–September 23, 2026)
Price:
ASA Member Rate: $35*
Non-member Rate: $45*
Certificates & Credits:
Continuing Education credits are not available for this course. We will offer a Certificate of Attendance.
A yearly ASA membership is $275 for individuals and $100 for retired professionals & students. ASA also offers Organizational Membership. Learn more about membership here.
*This course is non-refundable.
Description:
Advocacy is essential to organizational impact—but not all forms are created equal in the eyes of the law. This session will demystify the distinctions between education, lobbying, and electioneering, helping participants navigate the legal, strategic, and ethical boundaries that govern each. Using real-world case studies, it will explore how organizations have successfully engaged in a range of advocacy efforts, while avoiding compliance pitfalls and protecting credibility. Participants will gain tools to frame messaging for diverse audiences, align strategies with institutional values, and engage donors and stakeholders without jeopardizing legal standing. From legislative fly-ins and statehouse visits to policy roundtables and public education campaigns, this session highlights proven tactics that strengthen civic engagement—and empower advocates to advance their mission with clarity, confidence and integrity.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn to differentiate between advocacy, lobbying, and electioneering based on legal definitions and compliance requirements for nonprofit organizations.
- Attendees will learn to analyze real-world scenarios to identify compliance risks and best practices for engaging in legally sound and ethically responsible advocacy activities.
- Attendees will learn to develop effective advocacy messaging and engagement strategies that align with organizational values, target appropriate audiences, and maintain the organization’s nonpartisan credibility.
On Aging Institute Faculty:
Holly M. Davis is a nonprofit and public policy leader with extensive experience in advocacy, strategic program development, and philanthropic leadership. With a strong background in civic engagement and coalition-building, she has guided organizations in crafting effective programs, advancing policy initiatives, and fostering leadership in diverse sectors. As vice president of External Relations at Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, Davis designed and facilitated the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute, a premier leadership development program engaging cross-sector speakers and policy experts. She directed programming for CASE@Campus, tailoring professional development training for higher education institutions, led the PAC and government affairs for homebuilders associations in Seattle and Austin, and has served as the executive director of the nonprofits Center for Women and Democracy, Indiana Leadership Forum, and Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series.
Who should attend this session:
- Program managers or community engagement staff involved in coalition-building, grassroots outreach, or civic education efforts.
- Nonprofit executives and senior leaders who oversee or approve advocacy and public policy strategies.
- Policy and government relations staff responsible for engaging with legislators, organizing campaigns, or tracking legislation.
- Communications and development professionals who craft public messaging and interact with donors or stakeholders.
- Board members and organizational spokespeople who need to understand the legal boundaries when representing the organization publicly.
- Legal or compliance staff in nonprofits seeking to ensure organizational activities stay within IRS and state lobbying limits.
