Description

This 4-part series is designed to strengthen nonprofit effectiveness and sustainability by equipping nonprofit leaders in Palm Beach County with practical, compliant advocacy skills across all levels of government. This four-part Advocacy 101 series will build capacity in governance, leadership, and strategic engagement—empowering nonprofits to increase their impact in the communities they serve.

Each 90-minute session will focus on advocacy within a specific level of government: 

Session 1 – Local Advocacy (May 20) 

- Municipal government structure 

- Identifying local decision-makers 

- Engaging city commissions and councils

- Public comment strategy 

Session 2 – County Advocacy (May 27) 

- Palm Beach County structure and committees 

- Budget influence points - Building relationships with commissioners 

- Coalition-building at the county level 

Session 3 – State Advocacy (June 3) 

- Florida legislative process 

- What 501(c)(3)s can and cannot do 

- Committee strategy and bill tracking 

- Effective meetings with state legislators 

Session 4 – Federal Advocacy (June 10) 

- Congressional

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the series, participants will:

- Understand advocacy rules at every level of government

- Identify clear entry points for influence

- Develop a practical, compliant advocacy plan

- Increase confidence engaging policymakers

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Christina Romelus is the Founder and CEO of PolitiCALM and a former Vice Mayor who equips nonprofit leaders with the clarity and confidence to navigate government systems strategically and compliantly. She helps executive directors and boards understand how public policy, funding decisions, and regulatory shifts impact their organizations—and how to engage effectively at the local, state, and federal levels. Through executive briefings and practical trainings, Christina strengthens nonprofit leadership capacity by translating government process into actionable strategy, empowering organizations to protect their mission and increase long-term sustainability.