Amplify, Unify, Impact: Advocacy Communications as a Strategic Superpower

October 23, 2024 • 11:15 am – 12:30 pm ET

Advocacy, often overlooked in strategic communications, is pivotal for nonprofits. It complements and propels strategic planning objectives. Strategic communication is the art of purposefully crafting and disseminating messages to achieve specific organizational objectives, and integrating advocacy into this process is essential because it embodies the core ‘why’ of nonprofits—driving the intentional change needed to fulfill their mission.

This session reframes advocacy as a strategic communication tool that not only transcends noisemaking, involving the crafting of messages that mobilize and effect meaningful change. Our aim goes beyond meeting goals; we seek to exceed them by embracing diverse voices. Fostering inclusivity unleashes advocacy’s full potential as a form of leadership. Advocates shape public opinion, advancing social progress aligned with organizational goals. Through equity, diversity, and inclusion, we explore how diverse perspectives invigorate advocacy, ensuring it surpasses strategic planning goals.

This session aims to:

  • Grasp advocacy’s role as a potent form of leadership, guiding others toward positive change and shaping public opinion.
  • Understand advocacy’s significance in strategic communication, influencing policy, and driving social change.
  • Explore how diversity enhances advocacy efforts and strategic planning outcomes.
  • Learn strategies for integrating advocacy into strategic planning processes.
  • Gain insights into fostering inclusive dialogue and amplifying diverse voices.
  • Depart with actionable strategies to bolster advocacy and communication efforts, empowering participants to enact change.

Advocacy is not just about making noise; it’s about strategic messaging that drives meaningful change and shapes the future. Attend to learn how you, too, can make this happen for your organization.


Alaina Kennedy

Alaina Kennedy

Principal

Alaina Kennedy is a seasoned storyteller and advocate with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science from Michigan State University. Leveraging her experience as Chief of Operations for the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans, Health Equity Manager at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and Research & Appropriations Analyst for the House of Representatives in Illinois, she excels in using strategic communications to amplify voices and unify stakeholders. Alaina’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives and leading impactful advocacy initiatives has driven meaningful change in public health and policy. Her career highlights include leading innovative marketing campaigns, shaping public health policies, and forging strategic partnerships. With a keen ability to communicate complex issues and drive collective action, Alaina stands out as a dynamic force in advocacy communications. Her unique blend of storytelling and strategic insight positions her to make a significant impact in advancing organizational goals and societal change.

Kate McNulty has spent decades working in the fund development arena, helping organizations learn the intricacies of varied funding processes. She has extensive experience identifying appropriate funding opportunities, organizing proposals, applying for funding, developing projects that comply with a funder’s terms, building budgets, managing post-award compliance, and project rollout. Kate offers experience providing leadership and growth opportunities for clinical and educational programs for diverse healthcare systems, in-depth knowledge of healthcare compliance, and an ability to streamline internal policies and procedures. Whether serving as staff for government, advocating for policy changes, and supporting the needs of the people, or through her work with nonprofit organizations, she has been driven to be part of solutions seeking wellness in communities. Kate knows that delivery matters; how we express ourselves and when we do so plays a large part in determining outcomes. Kate’s professional experience includes work as a Congressional Liaison to United States Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, her role as Chief of Staff at the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and as Director of Development for the Hartford HealthCare (HHC) Behavioral Health Network (BHN). Kate earned her master’s degree from Trinity College and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

Kate McNulty, MA, CHC

Kate McNulty

Principal


Advocacy Strategy Logic Model [Download]
Communications Channel Map [Download]
Communications Plan Template [Download]
Presentation Slides [Download]
Power Map Template [Download]


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