Hardball Lobbying for Nonprofits (1403982023) HESSENIUS

This is a no-holds-barred, comprehensive, real-world guide to building political power and successfully lobbying for nonprofits in the 21st century, written by an insider who has been in the trenches as both a lobbyist and a government official.

Lobbying in America has everything to do with money and elected officials' need for campaign funds. Hardball Lobbying for Nonprofits recognizes this reality, and is both a tutorial for nonprofit organizations on how to effectively advocate and lobby, and a plea for the nonprofit leaders to embrace the lobbying function as part of their job descriptions.

Barry Hessenius is a consultant and speaker for the nonprofit sector. He is a former director of the California Arts Council (appointed by Governor Gray Davis), longtime political fundraiser, activist, and nonprofit advocate. He also conducts numerous workshops and seminars. To contact Mr. Hessenius, please send all inquiries to: nonprofitlobbying@comcast.net.

“Barry Hessenius has never been shy, so this book shouldn't surprise anyone with its provocative and insightful thesis that the non-profit sector has to wake up and speak loudly for its interests. Anyone who knows the law and regulations surrounding advocacy and political speech by non-profits knows that it is a minefield of risk that needs to be approached with care and good legal counsel. But what Hessenius makes a convincing case for is that we have no choice but to get into the game. An excellent read.”
--Drummond Pike, Chief Executive Officer, Tides Network

"Hard Ball Lobbying is an essential tool for every nonprofit leader who wants to see systems change and public dollars flow to the causes they care about. The nonprofit CEO who doesn't have advocacy and lobbying as part of their job description may well be coming up short in pursuit of their social mission."

--Tim Wolfred, Psy.D., Director of Leadership Services, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services

“Barry Hessenius learned political advocacy the hard way, convincing the California legislature to multiply many fold its investment in arts funding. In his new book, Barry extracts the lessons of his long experience into a readable and impassioned tutorial that has broad application throughout the non-profit sector.”

--John Kreidler, President of Community Initiative Funds of The San Francisco Foundation

"This is a powerful, provocative, and daring look at the ups and downs of fighting for beliefs. The book straightforwardly mixes together simple, clear definitions, strong opinions, new ideas, and ‘in your face’ strategies, all designed to help the good guys win."

--Robert L. Lynch, President and CEO, Americans for the Arts

"For those who want to begin a non-profit, I can think of no better guide and toolkit than Hardball. Government students should read this as an insight into decison-making as Barry explains how government and groups interact with one another at all levels. Hardball is definitely not a book to collect dust but one to get dog-eared, highlighted, debated and used."

--Representative Adam Schiff, 29th District, California