Does civic engagement differ from advocacy and public policy, two terms sometimes used interchangeably with civic engagement? And how does the process of lobbying fit in?
There’s disagreement among practitioners, but some, like Linda Campbell (see companion article), suggest that advocacy is a subset of civic engagement. Advocacy is the process that gives voice to specific civic engagement agenda items and issues.
Public policy then differs because it typically doesn’t start at the community level, nor does it end there. Public policy tends to take place in the middle, as it is a process that seeks to influence specific legislation or rules and regulations at various levels of government.
Still another process often mentioned in the same breath with civic engagement, advocacy, and public policy is lobbying. Unlike the other terms, lobbying usually refers to a regulated process that involves individuals or firms paid to represent the views of special interest groups, including nonprofits, who are trying to influence legislative decisions.
Any individual or organization can lobby for their interests, but paid lobbyists must be registered at both the state and federal level, and there are rules and regulations legally proscribed. Violating those rules can be a criminal offense.
Nonprofits are not prohibited from lobbying; they are actually encouraged to do so as long as they adhere to applicable state and federal tax laws.
For a look at what you and your agency can do from a lobbying perspective, check out Kathryn Vanden Berk’s spring 2006 Alliance for Children & Families Magazine column. Other great resources are available on the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest’s website.
