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Differences Between Advocacy and Policy

By engaging in advocacy and policy work, Young People in Recovery can raise awareness around key issues and push for tangible legislative or systemic changes while remaining compliant with IRS guidelines.

Advocacy and policy are both key components of mission-driven work for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit like YPR, but they serve different purposes and have distinct legal implications. 

Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Advocacy

  • Advocacy is the broad effort to influence public opinion, raise awareness, and support or oppose issues relevant to a nonprofit’s mission. It can include activities encouraging the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to take action on specific issues without necessarily focusing on legislation.
  • Issue-focused: Advocacy involves working on specific issues that align with the nonprofit’s mission (e.g., recovery, mental health, education).
  • Raising awareness: Nonprofits can educate the public, media, and community leaders about key issues without focusing solely on government or legislation.
  • Mobilizing supporters: Advocacy encourages people to take action, whether by attending events, spreading the word, or contacting decision-makers.
  • Non-legislative actions: Advocacy can involve public education campaigns, community organizing, and building partnerships without promoting specific laws.
  • Hosting public forums to discuss recovery services.
  • Running a campaign to raise awareness of the need for mental health support.
  • Writing op-eds or blogs about the importance of housing for people in recovery.

policy

  • Policy work, often referred to as “advocating for policy change,” is the effort to influence specific government actions or decisions, such as passing or blocking legislation, regulations, or rules that affect the nonprofit’s mission.
  • Legislation-focused: Policy work directly aims to influence government decisions, such as laws, regulations, or budgets.
  • Lobbying (within legal limits): While 501(c)(3) nonprofits can engage in some lobbying (efforts to influence specific legislation), they must do so within IRS limits. Lobbying includes communicating with legislators or the public to support or oppose specific laws.
  • Systemic change: Policy work seeks long-term, structural changes that can be implemented through government action through chapter work.
  • Compliance considerations: YPR must track and report lobbying activities to remain compliant with 501(c)(3) guidelines.
  • Meeting with legislators to support or oppose a bill related to recovery services (e.g., advocating for the HANDS Act).
  • Submitting comments on proposed regulations affecting healthcare for those in recovery.
  • Encouraging supporters to contact their representatives to gain education around recovery-specific legislation.

Six steps to effective advocacy campaigns

For more information or if you have questions, connect on Slack with Coreen Johnson or Billy O’Byran