Policymakers need public input to develop good ideas into good policy, and nonprofits are valued experts in our areas of specialty. Nonprofits must partner with our governmental partners through advocacy and lobbying to cultivate strong, thriving, joyful communities.
Are you ready to dip your toe into advocacy? Maybe your toe is already in the advocacy waters and you are looking for opportunities to keep honing your skills. Wherever you are on your advocacy journey, join us and learn about how advocacy can further your organization’s mission and the ingredients for a successful legislative visit. Participants will also learn about legislative process and do’s and don’ts of advocating for your nonprofit.
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Event Details
This virtual event will take place on the Zoom platform. Your access link will be emailed to you the day before the event after 12 p.m.
This session will be recorded. The recording will be made available to registrants after the live event.
Captioning is provided automatically through Zoom. For information on requesting CART, ASL, or another accommodation, please visit our Registration Policies page.
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Speaker Information
Marie Ellis, Policy Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, advances the mission and work of MCN and Minnesota’s nonprofit sector through developing MCN’s policy priorities, advocating on those issues at the state, local, and national levels, and assisting members in effectively advocating on behalf of their organizations and stakeholders. Marie is committed to continuing MCN’s work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals and participates in overall organizational leadership and management at MCN as part of the leadership team.
Marie has been working in public policy since her first job, lobbying in Washington, DC with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Since then she has worked at the Minnesota Senate as Leadership Assistant, Catholic Charities as Public Policy Manager, and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce as Director of Public Policy and Legal Counsel. Originally from Saint Cloud, Marie has a B.A. in Religion from Concordia College in Moorhead, a law degree from the University of Saint Thomas School of Law, and earned her NEWTs from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (she wishes).
Ileana Mejia, Public Policy Advocate, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Ileana is the public policy advocate at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and is working to increase individual nonprofits' advocacy capacity through trainings, materials, and conversations, and advocating on behalf of the nonprofit sector as a whole to advance MCN’s mission.
Ileana has a passion for inclusion and racial equity work, particularly in lifting up voices who have been historically left out of policy decisions that directly influence them. In addition, she has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Humphrey School of Public Affairs and completed a term of service with Public Allies AmeriCorps program.