Upcoming Public Policy 

Trainings and Events

Nonprofit Advocacy Series: The Here, The Now, The Wow! (Sept 24-Jan 14)

Economic recession. Budget deficits. Unallotment. 2010 Elections. Rarely have we seen the kind of “perfect storm” that has resulted in record unemployment, record foreclosure rates, near national budget deficits, uncharted legislative and administrative maneuvering and dozens of Minnesota leaders running for Governor – all creating unprecedented levels of uncertainty for Minnesota’s future. Minnesota’s nonprofit sector needs to be a strong voice in the public dialogue. Increasing demand for the services that nonprofits provide while the sector is experiencing a period of retrenchment means that we need to ensure the state’s precious fiscal and policy resources are put to their best use. Those decisions can’t be made well without nonprofit voices at the table speaking from the front lines of Minnesota’s communities.

Join us in sessions around the state as we explore basic advocacy rules, communications and social media, organizing and coalitions, legislative and local government processes and building for power!

Upcoming sessions:

• Moving the Message: Communications and Social Media, November 18, St. Paul
  
• Twin Ports Area Convening on Climate Change, December 2, Duluth
  
  
• Mankato Convening on Climate Change, December 3, Mankato
  
  
• All Policy is Local: City and County Advocacy, December 10, St. Paul
  
  
• Advanced Advocacy: Capitol Resources, January 14, 2010, St. Paul
  

• 2010 Legislative Session Line Up, February 5, St. Paul
  

• Ginger Sisco, Sisco Public Relations Inc
• David Brauer, MinnPost

Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Location: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; 2314 University Ave. W., Ste. 20; St. Paul 55114
Directions and map: Directions and Google Map
Parking: Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the building. Transit options available through Metro Transit
Fee: $45 for MCN members/ $60 for nonmembers

To register:

Register online now - by logging in (password assistance available) and selecting "RSVP for Free Events, Briefings and Convenings."

Scholarships are available

Policies: Learn about MCN's policies on refunds and substitutions.

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Twin Ports Area Convening on Climate Change

Climate change is a concern for low-income communities and proposed solutions can create new opportunities. Learn more about issues and opportunities important to nonprofit, labor and faith organizations. Speakers include:

• Pat Benson, Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota
• John Doberstein, Blue Green Alliance
• Leah Gardner, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
• Chad McKenna, Northeast Minnesota Area Labor Council
• Tracy Meisterheim, Sustainable Twin Ports
• Jodi Slick, Common Ground & Duluth Energy Efficiency Project

Details:

Date: Wednesday, December 2nd
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Location: Conference Room B and C in the Ordean Building, 424 West Superior Street, Duluth
Directions and map: Directions and Google Map
Fee: Free, but please RSVP online.

To RSVP:

RSVP online now - by logging in (password assistance available) and selecting "RSVP for Free Events, Briefings and Convenings."

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• Pat Benson, Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota
• Leah Gardner, Minnesoota Council of Nonprofits
• Russ Hess, Southeast Area Labor Council

Details:

Date: Thursday, December 3rd
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Location: Blue Earth County Historical Society, 415 E. Cherry St, Mankato
Directions and map: Directions and Google Map
Fee: Free, but please RSVP online.

To RSVP:

RSVP online now - by logging in (password assistance available) and selecting "RSVP for Free Events, Briefings and Convenings."

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All Policy is Local: City and County Advocacy

Many nonprofits interact far more with county, city and local governments than they do with the state legislature. These various levels of government have their own elected officials, governance structures, authorities and priorities. This workshop will examine the relationship between the state of Minnesota and local governments, as well as the historical partnerships of nonprofits and governmental entities. Whether you’ve been involved in contract negotiations with local governments or new to the arena, you’ll leave with a better “civics class” understanding of Minnesota’s models of government. A special emphasis will be placed on county service delivery and working with local advisory boards and councils. Confirmed speakers include:

• Toni Carter, Ramsey County Commissioner
• Melissa Reed, City of Minneapolis Government Relations Representative
• Jeannie Fox, Deputy Public Policy Director at the MN Council

Details:

Date: Tuesday, December 8 changed to Thursday, December 10th
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Location: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; 2314 University Ave. W., Ste. 20; St. Paul 55114
Directions and map: Directions and Google Map
Parking: Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the building. Transit options available through Metro Transit
Fee: $45 for MCN members/ $60 for nonmembers

To register:

1. Register online

2. By fax - to register by fax, download and complete the registration form (including credit card information) and fax the form to 651-642-1517
3. By mail - to register by mail, download and complete the registration form, include payment (either a check payable to MCN or credit card information) and mail to: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; 2314 University Ave. West, Suite 20; St. Paul; MN; 55114-1802

Scholarships are available

Policies: Learn about MCN's policies on refunds and substitutions.

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Advanced Advocacy: Capitol Resources

This “ask-the-experts” session is a wonderful opportunity for more experienced nonprofit advocates to get to delve a little deeper into technical legislative processes spanning fiscal, research, bill-drafting and committee functions. You will get to hear from seasoned specialists who work in various Capitol resource offices. Learn what assistance is available from these offices to the public and to legislative members. Speakers include staff from the Legislative Reference Library, House Research and Senate Counsel, the Revisor’s Office and others.

Details:

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010
Time: 9 a.m. - noon
Location: Tour begins at the Minnesota State Capitol, Room 318;
Directions: Directions to state Capitol
Fee: Free, but advance registration is required

To register:

Register online now - by logging in (password assistance available) and selecting "RSVP for Free Events, Briefings and Convenings."

Please note that advance registration is required and that registration closes at noon the day before the event

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2010 Session Line Up

This not-to-be-missed annual event allows you to hear directly from leaders of the legislative caucuses who will share their priorities for the session, identify issues which they think will dominate the debate, and give their ideas on how nonprofits can be a resource to decision makers and their staff.

Hundreds of nonprofit leaders have attended this event in the past, and many more will join this year. Get your questions on the table from the get-go!

Speakers and event details will be posted as we approach; for now, save the morning of February 5th at the Kelly Inn in St. Paul.

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