Community Workshop Aims to Strengthen Nonprofit Advocacy Skills

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation will host a free advocacy training workshop Thursday as part of its summer Learning Community Series designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations across Reno County.

The "Building Your Advocacy Story" workshop runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7 and targets staff, board members and volunteers from community-based organizations. Logan Stenseng, Policy and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for Thrive Allen County, will lead the two-hour session.

"Are you passionate about making a difference in your community but unsure how to effectively advocate for change?" organizers asked in the event description.

The workshop aims to teach participants how to distinguish between advocacy and lobbying, identify policy priorities that align with their organization's mission, and develop compelling stories to communicate those priorities effectively.

Participants will learn to craft advocacy narratives that connect their organization's mission to policy priorities through relatable stories. The session also covers developing practical advocacy plans and strategies for engaging local, county and state governing bodies.

Stenseng brings experience in policy development and coalition building through his work with Thrive Allen County's Zero to Thrive coalition. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2021 and previously served as Government Relations Director for the Student Senate. He has also worked with voting rights nonprofits and is originally from El Dorado.

The workshop is part of the foundation's Nonprofit Strength Initiative, which provides professional development opportunities through peer learning and workshops with regional leaders.

Lunch will be provided, but advance registration is required by Aug. 4. Space is limited to 30 participants, and organizers encourage two people from each organization to attend together for shared learning.

The event will be held at the Hutchinson Community Foundation at 1 N. Main St. Registration is available through the foundation's website.

Key takeaways include developing clarity and confidence in advocacy, creating compelling advocacy stories, and establishing practical advocacy plans and roadmaps for future efforts.