You're passionate about your nonprofit cause. How can you effectively advocate and raise awareness?

Advocacy is critical for nonprofit leaders. Being a subject matter expert and passionate story teller about your mission can amplify your advocacy impact, regardless of your goal. Know how your mission impacts not just those you serve, but the community at large. Find a way to make it matter to everyone, regardless of circumstance. Let your passion for your cause show in every interaction.

If there's one thing I believe in more than anything when it comes to advocating for a cause I believe in and raising awareness, it's absolutely living it. We can talk all we want about skills, but if people don't feel your enthusiasm in your speech and in your actions they're not going to be drawn in. It starts with effective communication. It continues with sharing a comprehensive yet accessible knowledge of the cause. It ends ensuring I share my enthusiasm in personal interactions, digital platforms, and anywhere else where I the ability to build a stronger and more enthusiastic village for my nonprofit cause.

Three things come to mind: Firstly, the story; what is the story. Put human beings at the centre of your story. Be decisive, sensitive and objective. Avoid rationalizing. Secondly, the human rights issues; what Human Rights Issues that your story needs to articulate? Thirdly, the telling. Invest in telling your story, well. A story at a time. There is nothing more powerful than evidence based storytelling and best by those whom you want to uplift their human rights or write wrongs.

Visual storytelling is one of the most impactful ways to get people interested and involved in your cause. It can take less than one second to grab someone’s attention with a powerful photo, enticing them to want to read about your work. Striking photos can spark a movement, inspire donors, expand your audience, and ignite policy change. Think about what kind of story you want to tell and what will resonate with your audience the most, and then consider hiring a photographer to help you tell it. You could document a day-in-the-life of your team, photograph the impact of your services, or capture the emotions of those you serve. A powerful photo essay of your work could really resonate with your audience and cause a big jump in engagement.

It's very important to keep an open mind when it comes to networking and partnerships. Allies can show up in the most unlikely of places, and especially in places you are not looking. Be open, have conversations with people in other sectors. As you share your story and listen to theirs, you might stumble upon areas of possible collaboration. So as long as it's a brand whose message doesn't contradict your values and mission, never say never!

In today’s loud world every business is competing for attention. Building on personal relationships are the keys to remaining top of mind. It helps spread your message, what you can offer your community, and build awareness. By maintaining touch points throughout with your supporters and not just when you want something, you build those connections.