Being an effective advocate has become an essential part of leadership in the nonprofit sector. With advances in technology and the increased participation in new media platforms, engagement between leaders from both the public and private sectors has become a necessary task. However, few have been trained to execute this critical role effectively. The policymaking process of the U.S. government, one based in the principles of federalism and democracy, is complex and confounding, but also accessible – with the proper set of knowledge and skills. Knowing the difference between educating government officials versus lobbying, how to galvanize the voices of your members, what types of tools to use for various audiences, and how to craft persuasive – and therefore successful – messages all can be learned. While the “recipe” for lobbying can be applied at any level of government, successful advocacy requires knowledge regarding pertinent data, policy research, strategic planning, grassroots organizing, and succinct and persuasive message development. To address this gap, the Batten Foundation, in collaboration with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, is designing a three-part workshop series to give nonprofit leaders the knowledge and skills for successful policy advocacy.