On February 26, nonprofit professionals and leaders from across Texas gathered in Austin for Texas Nonprofit Strong Day the State Capitol, an empowering event dedicated to advocacy and engagement. Hosted in partnership with the Texas Nonprofit Summit and Texas United Way Capitol Day, this day provided an opportunity for nonprofits to raise their voices, share their stories, and educate policymakers on the vital role nonprofits play in strengthening communities across the state.
Making Advocacy Accessible
Advocacy efforts can often feel intimidating, but Texas Nonprofit Strong Day helped demystify the process. Through hands-on experience, participants learned just how simple it can be to connect with legislators and make their needs known. Attendees built their understanding of the legislative process, explored pressing issues affecting the nonprofit sector, and, most importantly, took action by visiting legislative offices to share their impact firsthand.
Taking Action at the Capitol
A highlight of the day was witnessing the announcement of the Texas Nonprofit Strong and United Way Day resolution by both the House and Senate (click to view the full text of House Resolution 347 and Senate Resolution 163). While in the legislative galleries, participants had the unique opportunity to observe committee hearings and floor debates, reinforcing the idea that elected officials are listening and that nonprofit advocacy matters.
Key Insights & Tools for Effective Advocacy
The day included an issues briefing and strategic advocacy session led by Ashley Harris, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at United Ways of Texas. This presentation aligned key policy principles and issue area affecting Texas nonprofits, provided compelling data on the statewide impact of the sector, and offered actionable tips for engaging with policymakers.
Additionally, Nicole Collier of the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at the Bush School presented the latest nonprofit sector data, offering regional insights, legislative district breakdowns, and strategies for using data-driven advocacy year-round. Participants learned how to craft persuasive talking points and effectively communicate their organization’s impact to policymakers.
A Stronger Voice for Texas Nonprofits
Texas Nonprofit Strong Day was a powerful reminder that nonprofits are essential to the success and strength of Texas. By engaging directly with lawmakers, participants gained confidence in their ability to advocate and effect meaningful change. The event underscored the importance of nonprofit voices in shaping policies that impact local communities.
A huge thank you to OneStar and United Ways of Texas for co-hosting this impactful event, and to the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy for providing fresh and relevant data to support advocacy efforts. We look forward to continuing this momentum and ensuring that Texas nonprofits remain strong, united, and heard!
