How does policy change actually happen, and how can we engage effectively?

Recently, MDC staff came together for Policy & Advocacy 201, a day of learning from people who do this work every day. Brad Young of the NC Institute of Public Leadership opened with an Advocacy 101 refresh: how the NC legislative process works, the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and the role nonprofits can play. Brandy Bynum Dawson, Vice President of External Affairs at MDC, moderated a panel on policy influence in practice with Amber Harris, Billy Warden, Debra Derr, Jessica Sandoval, and Joe Coletti. Panelists shared real-world lessons on legislation, budgets, communications, organizing, and coalition work. Staff then rotated through small-group conversations to ask more in-depth questions. We also introduced the MDC Advocacy Toolkit, a new resource to help staff put what they learned into practice. The day closed with focus area teams planning current and potential advocacy work. Thank you to our speakers for their time, candor, and expertise. #MDC #PolicyAdvocacy #Advocacy #NonprofitAdvocacy #NorthCarolina #SouthernLeadership