Strategic choices for nonprofit advocates

A survey of Congressional and selected administration offices, conducted in summer 1997, identified 12 national nonprofit organizations that were named most frequently as having influence on policy in six areas, including the federal budget, environmental issues, and health care policy. The bulk of the study examined organizational characteristics of the organizations and the techniques used in their public policy work. The budgets of the 12 nonprofit organizations ranged from the Concord Coalition's $3 million to the American Association of Retired Person's (AARP) $500 million. Three fourths are membership based, and most employ frequent membership surveys and various deliberative processes to set policy priorities. They educate their members, not only on substantive policy matters but on governmental and political processes, making sure they are notified of how their representatives vote. Computer communications have greatly expanded their ability to mobilize members and extend their reach. Their communications with Congress stress analyses of how a proposal would alter the status quo.