• "It's not what you know, but who you know." Legislators need to know who you are and understand the importance of what you do in your community/state
• You can become a resource. Get to know your legislator so they turn to you for information
• You and your legislator may have shared interests. See if he is involved in philanthropy in your state and look at the issues that are important to him.
• Educate your legislator. You are an expert on your issues and can share that expertise.
• Empower your community. Reach out to people in your community and get them involved in your advocacy efforts
• Protect current funding. Keep legislators aware of what you are doing and how it will be affected by changes in funding
• Create systematic change. Once you have developed a relationship with your legislators they will remember who you are—and the issues that are important to you—when they are considering pending legislation

Advocacy does not just have to be about legislative issues. It is also a way to showcase the great work you do in your community/state.

So register for District Days and showcase the work you do best. You can register online or by contacting Chloe Pickle, the Council's coordinator of field operations.