More than ever, lobbying is becoming a vital tool for nonprofits to inform legislators about the needs the sector and give a stronger voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. Nonprofit organizations are legally permitted to lobby within specified limits. The Nonprofit Lobbying Symposium will educate attendees on the details of nonprofit lobbying. Join us on Wednesday, October 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this specifically designed day of awareness and education for nonprofit practitioners. Admission includes meals and a copy of Pat Libby's book, The Lobbying Strategy Handbook.

Hear from experts in the field:

Keynote speaker:
Pat Libby, clinical professor and director, Institute for Nonprofit Education and Research, University of San Diego

Panelists:
Christina Kuo, senior director of Public Policy and Public Affairs, Michigan Nonprofit Association

Phil Weaver, president and CEO of Hope Network

John Van Fossen, director of Public and Government Affairs, Clark Hill

Brandon Dillon, Michigan State Representative, 75th District

This event is sponsored by Clark Hill PLC.

Established in 1992 with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy promotes effective philanthropy, community improvement, and excellence in nonprofit leadership through teaching, research, and service. The Johnson Center is recognized for its applied research and professional development benefiting practitioners and nonprofits through its Community Research Institute, The Foundation Review, The Grantmaking School, and Nonprofit Services.

Grand Valley State University is a four-year public university. It attracts more than 24,500 students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers 81 undergraduate and 29 graduate degree programs from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, and from regional centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships. Grand Valley employs more than 1,700 people and is committed to providing a fair and equitable environment for the continued success of all.

For more information, contact Robert Shalett, communications director for the Johnson Center, at 616-331-7585.