Advocacy is not only legal – it’s one of the most effective means for nonprofits to advance their missions. This webinar is provided in partnership with Forefront and Bolder Advocacy, an initiative of Alliance for Justice.

Whether influencing your state’s budget, protecting an existing program, or passing laws, there are many reasons that 501(c)(3) public charities choose to lobby to achieve their policy goals. Federal law allows 501(c)(3) public charities (including houses of worship and public foundations) to lobby within generous limits. This comprehensive, introductory-level webinar will help explain what lobbying is and why it is so important.

Presenters:

Toren Lewis, Counsel, Bolder Advocacy Initiative at Alliance for Justice

Toren received his J.D. from UC Davis School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in International Politics from Georgetown University. Prior to joining Alliance for Justice (AFJ), Toren served as a Commission Counsel in the Legal and Enforcement Divisions of California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). Before FPPC, Toren worked for the California State Senate and the Endeavor Group, a boutique firm in Washington, D.C. providing legal and strategic advice primarily to philanthropists and entrepreneurs. Outside of work, Toren is an aspiring watercolorist and casual martial artist. He is a lifelong fan of the German National Soccer Team.

Nikhil Pillai, Counsel, Bolder Advocacy Initiative at Alliance for Justice

Nikhil consults with and trains nonprofit organizations on the rules and strategies for legal and effective advocacy. He received his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. from the Ohio State University. Before joining AFJ, Nikhil was Associate Counsel at Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL CIO. In that role he was responsible for drafting and negotiating operational agreements, advising staff on prospective legal concerns, and ensuring compliance with campaign finance and lobbying laws. Prior to that, he was a law fellow at AARP. In his free time, Nikhil enjoys cooking, playing music, and watching trashy reality TV.

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