Webinar Summary – A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC

Feb 19, 2025 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Webinar

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Feb 19, 2025

Webinar Summary - A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC

By Jenessa Ellis, Vantage Point

On February 12, 2025, Vantage Point hosted the webinar A New Political Landscape: Government Relations for Non-Profits in BC, following up on last year’s 2024 post BC election webinar. At this session, Kareem M. Allam from the Richardson Strategy Group shared valuable insights on navigating British Columbia's evolving political landscape. Kareem offered advice, observations, and predictions to help non-profits better engage with government and advocate for their causes.

Recommendations for Non-Profits:

Strategic Assessment: Evaluate your organization's priorities and identify potential areas of alignment with different political parties.

Targeted Messaging: Develop tailored messaging that resonates with the values and concerns of specific political audiences.

Data-Driven Advocacy: Use data and evidence to demonstrate the impact and value of your organization's work

Coalition Building: Form coalitions with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify your voice and increase your influence.

Risk Management: Be aware of the potential risks associated with engaging with certain political actors and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.

Maintain Flexibility: Stay informed about the evolving political landscape and be prepared to adapt your engagement strategies as needed.

Frame asks based on the present landscape: Be willing to tie asks to present dynamics like tariffs.

Create capital-based asks: Frame asks that focus on building assets, as opposed to relying on operating spending.
Always emphasize value: Value the work that not for profits can bring, especially when compared to what government can do.

As we heard in the first webinar, building and maintaining relationships is key. New and old contacts can all be used to build alliances and further your work.

Our team at Vantage Point is working to advance the BC Non-Profit Network. We look forward to working alongside all of you as we grow the Network and continue to develop important relationships and actions toward a stronger sector for all of us!  

Watch the full recorded webinar here. 

Find government relations and communications tips and templates in the Non-Profit Power Up Toolkit.

Find our free downloadable resources

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2024 BC Elections Webinar Summary

Nov 1, 2024 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Policy and Advocacy, Webinar

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Nov 1, 2024

2024 BC Elections Webinar Summary

By Simran Pachar, Vantage Point

On October 23, 2024, Vantage Point hosted a post-election results analysis webinar. The purpose was to provide insights for the non-profit sector on the implications of the 2024 British Columbia election and what to expect moving forward. Anita Zaenker, Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies, joined as an expert to break down the election outcomes and offer strategic guidance during a time of uncertainty.

At the time of the webinar, the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives had 46 and 45 seats, respectively, with some seats still too close to call. Non-profit leaders, like many British Columbians, were eager to understand the election results and strategize for the future.

Anita provided an overview of the key issues in this election and how federal-level developments influenced the campaigns of both parties. She also broke down the party platforms and voting patterns across the province, helping participants grasp the broader changes and potential factors that could influence the coming months.

Practical steps you can take now

The discussion then moved to practical actions to take between now and when the new parliament comes into session in Spring 2025. Some of these include:

Sending congratulatory letters to the MLAs once the results are finalized. Introduce yourself and your organization to the MLA and help kickstart a relationship. Where possible, arrange meetings to deepen the partnership.

Reviewing the list of elected MLAs and their party platforms to find champions for one's cause. Build potential alliances with members that could support advocacy efforts for your policy area.

Preparing core advocacy materials in advance that will enable quick action once new legislature is in place. Develop a one-page description of your organization and the value that a partnership would bring can help you start a strong relationship with the next government.

Maintaining and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders. These include key clients, community members and leaders, civil servants, and officials who work in public services.

Building and maintaining relationships is key. New and old contacts can all be used to build alliances and further your work. Highlighting avenues to build deeper partnerships with government, Anita shared the need for collective action and the importance that a platform like the BC Non-Profit Network can play in these uncertain times.

We look forward to working alongside all of you as we grow the Network and continue to develop important relationships and actions toward a better future for all of us!

Watch the full recorded webinar here.

Find government relations and communications tips and templates in the Non-Profit Power Up Toolkit

A follow-up webinar is being planned. Stay tuned!