Oklahoma’s thousands of unique nonprofits play an essential role in spurring social change and addressing some of our most difficult societal issues. Homelessness, food insecurity, child abuse, education and critical medical services are just some of the systemic problems nonprofits tackle through their services. Because of these organizations’ indispensable work and place in our communities, it is essential that nonprofits fully engage in advocating for the changes they want to see through the public policy process. For individual nonprofits, the benefits of stepping into the advocacy role reach far beyond your mission. It can generate support for your organization, increase your visibility with key stakeholders, empower your supporters and those you serve, all while allowing you to be part of the solution to the systemic problems facing our state. Despite its positive impact, an Independent Sector study finds that only 31% of nonprofits report engaging in advocacy in the past 5 years. The research finds that the biggest barrier to nonprofits advocating is charitable organizations not knowing their legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to engaging in the public policy process. I encourage all nonprofit leaders and supporters to ensure they fully understand the legalities before advocating on behalf of an organization. The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits works tirelessly teaching nonprofit advocacy and offers classes on its importance, the legislative process and how to create and enact advocacy agendas. I welcome you to join us at one. The legislature will soon return to The Capitol, offering an opportunity for nonprofits to engage in the public policy process. Truly completing mission work means exercising the right to be part of the system that plays a part in the problems so many nonprofits work to solve every day. Using our voice for the voiceless is at the root of nonprofit work. The changes we seek rarely come without it.