Advocacy
Houston Center for Literacy advocates and raises awareness for
public policies that strengthen the literacy landscape in our city,
across Texas, and nationally. We work collaboratively with
providers and coalitions in order to develop a system where state
agencies, publicly funded programs, and community-based
organizations create a network of literacy and adult basic
education services. Learn more about the issues we are
tracking, and find out what is impacting adult literacy
today.
About Nonprofit Advocacy
The goal of HCL's advocacy effort is to increase awareness of
the need for literacy services in Houston. Advocacy is a broad term
that can include activities designed to increase volunteer
participation, funding, awareness, research, and policy. It is
vital for literacy organizations to participate in shaping the
conversation about how we can improve literacy rates in our state.
Advocacy is often confused with lobbying.
Lobbying is any activity designed to shape legislative outcomes.
There are several different guides regarding lobbying activities
that charitable organizations should be aware of before they embark
on advocacy efforts. The links listed below should serve as a guide
for organizations to learn how to advocate and which activities are
allowed under the federal and Texas rules for lobbying.
Briefing Paper: Nonprofit Advocacy (prepared by
Learning to Give)
Texas Lobbying
Guide (prepared by the Texas Ethics
Commission)
Federal
Lobbying Disclosure Guide (prepared by U.S. House of
Representatives)
IRS Rules
for Political and Lobbying Activities (prepared by the
IRS)
Nonprofits and
Lobbying: Yes, They can! (prepared by the American Bar
Association)
Determining the Need for the 501(h) election
(prepared by the National Council of Nonprofits)
IRS 501(h)
Election Form (prepared by the IRS)