Advocacy References and Resources
The OPERA America Advocacy Guides were designed to address the best practices, needs, and challenges related to government relations.
Numerous resources were reviewed, referenced, and quoted as part of this project. For more information — and inspiration — take a look at the following list, which is just a highlight of resources reviewed in this project.
American Civil Liberties Union: Writing Your Elected Representatives
American Library Association: Public Policy
BoardSource: Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Catholic Relief Services: Action Center
Council of Nonprofits: Federal Law Protects Nonprofit Advocacy & Lobbying
Council of Nonprofits: Taking the 501(h) Election
Council on Foundations: Advocacy Toolkit
Grantmakers in the Arts: Public Funding for the Arts 2022
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Exempt Organizations Technical Guide; TG 3-1 Overview, Applications, Exemption Requirements — IRS Section 501(c)(3)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Political Campaigns and Charities; The Ban on Political Campaign Intervention Course
League of American Orchestras: Advocate
McKinsey & Company: Organizing the Government Affairs Function for Impact
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: Advocacy Tools
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation; A Narrative and Message Guide for Advocates
National Endowment for the Arts: 1965–2000; A Brief Chronology of Support for the Arts
National Volunteer Fire Council: Guide to Communicating with Elected Officials
Performing Arts Alliance: Arts Advocacy Basics
Theatre Communications Group: Advocacy
UNICEF: Advocacy Toolkit
Venable LLP: Grassroots Lobbying; A Legal Primer
WESTAF: Regional Partner Handbook
OPERA America's advocacy guides were developed in 2024 by Amy Fitterer, consultant, with support from The Music Man Foundation. Download this advocacy guide as a PDF and view the full Advocacy Toolkit.