Library of Virginia | Everyday Advocacy: Making Your Voice Count for Libraries

Advocacy can feel intimidating, especially when terms like lobbying, grassroots, compliance, and 501(c)(3) rules get mixed together. The truth: advocacy is much broader than lobbying, and libraries and their partners are already doing it in more ways than they may realize.

In this interactive 2 hour webinar, participants will build a clear, practical understanding of what advocacy includes, what it does not include, and how nonprofit libraries can confidently engage in advocacy while staying within legal and ethical guidelines. We will demystify the basics of lobbying rules for 501(c)(3) organizations, explore the many forms advocacy can take, and highlight real-world examples of how libraries across the country have successfully strengthened public support.

The session will also focus on the shared roles of staff, boards, foundations, volunteers, and community partners in advancing library missions. Breakout discussions and hands-on activities will give participants time to reflect, learn from one another, and identify advocacy approaches that fit their own context.

Attendees will leave with greater clarity, increased confidence, and practical tools to support libraries through everyday advocacy.

Topic Advocacy & Social Change
When April 28, 2026 10:00 am - April 28, 2026 12:00 pm
Where Zoom
Trainer Laura Bennett
Member Fee $0.00
Non-Member Fee $0.00
Register