Nonprofits face challenging times—it’s very difficult to maintain their mission and actively advocate for their constituencies when faced with lack of staff capacity, ongoing funding struggles, changing laws, and societal polarization which results in a decline in civility and compassion.
This is why Sonya Campion, Campion Advocacy Fund Trustee, is serving on the Independent Sector’s newly formed Principles Panel on Advocacy, an expert panel consisting of 25 leading charitable sector advocacy experts from philanthropies, operating charities, sector infrastructure organizations, and academic institutions.
“Between 2002 and 2022, the number of nonprofits that reported engaging in advocacy dropped from 74% to 31%. When asked why they weren’t engaging in advocacy, organizations cited lack of staff capacity, lack of funding, and lack of legal clarity on how to lawfully engage with legislators. Without a strong advocacy muscle, the nonprofit sector cannot push back on harmful policies that squeeze our sector and hurt the communities we serve,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.
The Principles Panel on Advocacy aims to give guidance and equip nonprofit organizations and their boards with the education and tools needed to act and advocate.
The panel is expected to complete and publish its work in Fall 2026. Campion is a proud supporter of this vital work.
The full press release regarding the Principles Panel on Advocacy can be read here.