Oct. 23 Federal Update: Igniting Advocacy at SPARK 2023

Last Wednesday, Social Current held its first-ever Hill Day in Washington, D.C., as part of our larger SPARK 2023 conference. During this event, 40 participants from dozens of our network organizations participated in over 50 meetings with members of Congress and staff to build support for the bipartisan Streamlining Federal Grants Act. Each of our advocates crisscrossed Capitol Hill throughout the day, speaking with numerous offices on both sides of the aisle about the necessity to pass this crucial legislation, which would simplify the grant application process so that all nonprofits, large and small, can access federal grants.

Based on initial reports from the participants, our delegation was received warmly with curiosity and growing support.

Prior to Hill Day, participants joined the Igniting Advocacy Training at SPARK 2023 to prepare for their conversations ahead. Led by Social Current’s Senior Director of Government Relations Blair Abelle-Kiser, the training covered the fundamentals of Congress, details on the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, and ways to effectively tell your organization’s story and build a compelling message. Participants left the trainings confident and prepared to advocate to their senators and representatives on behalf of their organizations and local communities.

All in all, the advocacy training and Hill Day was a success. Social Current plans to host future advocacy days in Washington, D.C., as we, in concert with our network, flex our advocacy muscles to amplify the power of the social sector!

And save the date for SPARK 2024, Oct. 21-22, in Denver, Colorado.

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