Date/Time
Date(s) - September 25, 2025
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Fee: Free
Register at: https://give.unitedwaynwvt.org/e/peer-panel-discussion-nonprofit-advocacy-in-action
Advocacy can be a powerful tool for nonprofits—but stepping into that space can feel daunting. This panel brings together seasoned nonprofit advocates to share practical advice, lessons learned, and real-world strategies for organizations newer to advocacy. Panelists will explore questions such as:
- How does your organization evaluate the risk of taking potentially controversial positions?
- Do you work with a lobbyist? What does that look like for your organization?
- How do you build internal consensus around advocacy priorities?
- What are some common pitfalls to avoid when engaging in policy work?
Whether you’re just beginning to explore advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session offers a candid, peer-led conversation designed to demystify the process and empower nonprofits to find their voice in the policy arena.
This is a free, virtual event.
Register Here
Meet the Panel:
Amy Cunningham | Deputy Director | Vermont Arts Council
Amy Cunningham is the Deputy Director for the Vermont Arts Council, the state’s primary funder of the arts, focused on cultivating and advancing art and creativity through the state. In that role, she manages the day-to-day operations, directs the programs and grants team, and has helped to lead state and federal advocacy efforts.
Since 2001, Amy has had the privilege to work in leadership roles in several statewide organizations, including the Vermont Historical Society, Everybody Wins! Vermont, and the Vermont Humanities Council. She has served on many Vermont nonprofit boards, including chairing the Montpelier Community Fund, the Kellogg Hubbard Library, and Mentor Vermont boards.
Ivy Enoch | Director of Policy & Advocacy | Hunger Free Vermont
Ivy is the Director of Policy & Advocacy at Hunger Free Vermont. HFVT is a statewide advocacy & education nonprofit with the mission to end the injustice of hunger for everyone in Vermont. We prioritize the people most affected by hunger to make permanent systemic change. Our work is focused on state and federal policy solutions to hunger, public education about root causes of hunger, and program training for service providers statewide to ensure nutrition programs available to Vermonters are human-centered and easy to access.
Sarah Robinson, M.S.W | Co-Executive Director | Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Sarah is the Co-Executive Director at the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The Vermont Network is a membership organization, representing 15 community-based organizations across Vermont who provide direct services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Sarah has worked at the Vermont Network since 2012. Prior to joining the Network, Sarah worked on public policy and community building related to issues of food security and child wellbeing. She has extensive experience at the community, statewide and federal level, including administrative advocacy, advocacy mobilization, and legislative affairs. As a lifelong Vermonter, Sarah has deep appreciation for the strength of Vermont communities and is an active member of her community. She served for four years as a City Councilor, is a current board member for several organizations, and has served as an adjunct instructor on public policy at the University of Vermont and Vermont Law and Graduate School.
Moderator:
Emma Paradis | Manager of Policy & Strategic Initiatives | Common Good Vermont
Emma is the Manager of Policy & Strategic Initiatives at Common Good Vermont. In this role, she supports Vermont’s nonprofit sector through advocacy, fostering connections, and facilitating the exchange of ideas and information. With a background in food systems, community organizing, and nonprofits operations, she is grateful to be able to apply these experiences for the benefit of organizations serving our communities.