Advocacy & Me: YNPN’s Conversation Starter presents something worth talking about

Most weeks, G-Sync Events feature events to fill your after-work hours with an escape from the grind of your day-to-day living. But for this week, we wanted to feature an inspiring event happening during your lunch hour that is sure to amp up your advocacy game with the many nonprofits that so many of our readers have indicated they proudly serve in our region.

As one who has been an advocate for so many organizations since I arrived here many decades ago, the powerful importance of advocacy on behalf of our community’s many organizations has never been more important than right now.

Our Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids (YNPNGR) seeks to present an event devoted to advocacy and how it strengthens our communities while also elevating critical voices of an organization’s stakeholders. Advocacy also helps us be able to articulate for others who may not be in a position to have their voices heard.

Advocacy is a vital and an often overlooked area in our toolbox for change. And yet, our contributions when we act as an advocate create a positive impact, according to BoardSource, who reports that only “15% of nonprofits nationally have established processes for how to engage in advocacy and lobbying.”

On your Wednesday lunch hour join Justin Sheehan, an experienced attorney and nonprofit leader, who will share how your organization along with your assistance can move the mission forward through intelligent advocacy.

According to YNPN’s site, “since November of 2015 Sheehan has been the Executive Director for Lansing Promise and, in addition, he currently works for Michigan Community Resources (MCR) traveling the state of Michigan supporting nonprofit organizations in learning their rights and building their capacity to engage in effective advocacy and lobbying efforts. Prior to his role at Lansing Promise, he was the Senior Legal & Policy Program Manager at MCR.”

In addition to Sheelan’s appearance will be a chance to network with House Representative and former WMEAC Executive Director Rachel Hood, who will share how to advocate with elected leaders.

The event is free to attend, but you are asked to pre-register here.

Please remember YNPN’s Conversation Starters are held over the lunch hour and that while limited appetizers are provided, if you seek a heartier lunch, City Built Brewing has a stunning array of flavorful dishes from which to choose.