Using the 2024 Elections to Prepare Our 2025 Advocacy Strategy

On November 14th, FNA gathered with nonprofits across Florida to discuss how the election results will impact advocacy strategy in 2025.  We started with a greeting from Senate President Ben Albritton, who shared some of his priorities for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session.  They include agriculture, food insecurity, and water management.  We heard from FNA lobbyist Greg Black that Florida House Speaker Danny Perez is focused on making the state budget responsible and efficient.

(If you would like to learn more about Legislative Session and are considering joining us for the first ever Florida Nonprofit Day on February 11-12, register for a "learn more" session or check out the event page!)

We were also joined by Jessica Mendieta from the National Council of Nonprofits and Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose.  Here are some general advocacy tips from all of our experts:

• Get to know your elected officials! Build authentic relationships, listen to their priorities, and do not write anyone off because you assume they won't be interested in your work.  Be calm, prepared, and respectful.
• Effectively communicate your need and impact.  This messaging is very important to get and keep the attention of elected officials
• Don't forget about the staff!  The staffers are very valuable to know and build relationships with.
• We are expecting at least two special elections in Florida to replace nominees for federal positions by President-Elect Trump.  If those are happening in your district, don't forget your role in voter engagement!

There is still a lot happening between now and the end of the year.  The current Congress will try to pass spending bills, and the Florida legislature begins interim committee weeks in December.  Follow FNA on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.  Or, if you are not yet a member, join and get weekly updates!

Most importantly, remember that nonprofits are non-partisan and serve the public good, regardless of which party is in power.  Nonprofits play an important role in bringing communities together, especially given division and lack of national unity that we are seeing.  And we at FNA are committed to helping you be effective and non-partisan in your advocacy work in 2025 and beyond.

What are you using to shape your 2025 advocacy priorities and strategy?