Introduction

In this age of information overload and scarce resources, nonprofits are striving for more effective ways to articulate their needs, cultivate support, and achieve their goals with the help of strategic communications as part of their advocacy work. Each organization has its own modus operandi, without a doubt, but how does your organization's commitment to strategic advocacy communications (or lack thereof) influence its ability to serve its mission? How do you know when your efforts are most fruitful? What changes could or should you implement to generate better results?

Since we are such ardent proponents of effective nonprofit advocacy, we have selected some of the very best tools available to help you assess your organization's advocacy communications efforts. Just follow our lead, do a little soul-searching, review the options, and... voila!... discover some practical tools that could really help your organization to better serve its mission.

Yes, You Can!

Evaluation doesn't have to be an arduous process; many times you can take information already being gathered and use it, additionally, to document your successes, highlight your strengths and challenges, and ultimately help you to be more effective in achieving your goals.