WHAT: Building Your Advocacy Story
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug 7
WHERE: Hutchinson Community Foundation, 1 N. Main St., Ste. 501

Hutchinson Community Foundation is pleased to invite staff, board members, and volunteers of community-based organizations serving Reno County to our summer Learning Community Series, part of our Nonprofit Strength Initiative. With this series, we aim to provide opportunities for professional development through peer learning and workshops with regional leaders in the field.  

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community but unsure how to effectively advocate for change? Join us for a dynamic two-hour workshop with Thrive Allen County’s lobbyist and community organizer Logan Stenseng, where you’ll gain the essential skills and tools to amplify your impact and drive meaningful policy change. 

You Will Learn To: 

• Discern Advocacy vs. Lobbying: Demystify the often-confused terms of advocacy and lobbying and understand the specific guidelines and permissible activities for 501(c)(3) organizations. 
• Articulate your Policy Priorities: Identify and prioritize the key policies that directly impact your stakeholders and align with your organization’s mission. We’ll help you focus your efforts on the issues that matter most. 
• Create your Advocacy Story: Learn how to craft a powerful story that highlights your mission and effectively communicates your policy priorities. 
• Communicate your Story: Practice sharing your newly developed advocacy story with your cross-sector peers in a supportive and collaborative environment. Receive valuable feedback and refine your communication skills. 
• Develop an Advocacy Plan for 2026: Look ahead and strategize your advocacy approach for local, county, and state governing bodies in the coming year. We’ll guide you through developing a practical plan to maximize your influence and achieve your desired outcomes. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Clarity and confidence in advocacy. 
• A compelling advocacy story that effectively connects your organization’s mission and policy priorities to relatable narratives.  
• A practical advocacy plan and roadmap for your advocacy efforts.  

About Logan Stenseng 

Logan Stenseng is Thrive Allen County’s Policy and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, overseeing the development of the organization’s public policy program and building relationships with partners statewide through our Zero to Thrive coalition. Logan also provides policy research and technical/advocacy trainings to community members, as well as educational resources for lawmakers. Logan graduated from the University of Kansas in 2021. During his time at KU, he served as the Government Relations Director to the Student Senate, as well as worked for several voting rights non-profits. He is originally from El Dorado, Kansas. 

Advance registration is required by Aug. 4, for space is limited to 30 in each workshop. We encourage two people from each organization to come together for shared learning.