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.