Description

Date: May 5, 2025

Time: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Pennsylvania State Capitol

Price: FREE

Inside the Capitol: Advocacy Education for Nonprofit Leaders 

Join the Lancaster Chamber and the High Nonprofit Center for an Exclusive Opportunity to Visit the State Capitol!

Public policy plays a critical role in shaping our communities and directly impacts the nonprofit sector, including areas like education, healthcare, housing, and social services. To be effective and informed advocates, nonprofit leaders need to understand how the legislative process works—this is why the Lancaster Chamber and High Nonprofit Center have created this unique opportunity to educate and empower nonprofit professionals like you!

Event Highlights:

• Tour the Capitol: Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of Pennsylvania's government and get an insider's view of where key policy decisions are made.

• Meeting in Governor's Reception Room: In an unparalleled opportunity, you’ll sit down with four key directors from the Governor’s administration, each leading critical commissions that shape policies affecting diverse communities across the Commonwealth. Here’s who you'll meet:
  • Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women: Learn about the commission’s work advocating for policies that support women and families, and how nonprofits can play a vital role in advancing these efforts.
  • Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation: Gain insights into how this commission works to empower and engage the next generation of leaders in Pennsylvania.
  • Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs: Discuss how this commission addresses the needs of Latino communities and advocates for their inclusion and growth in the state.
  • Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs: Explore policies that support the LGBTQ+ community and how nonprofits can contribute to fostering equality and opportunity.

• Happy Hour at McNees: Enjoy a casual happy hour at McNees Wallace & Nurick, a law firm with nonprofit lobbying specialists, where you'll have the opportunity to network with legal experts and gain practical advice on how to effectively advocate for your nonprofit’s mission.

Agenda:

11:45 a.m. – Arrive at Pennsylvania Capitol Building - East Wing Entrance at the Fountain on Commonwealth Avenue

12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. – Lunch in capitol restaurant/cafeteria

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. – Meeting in Governor's Reception Room

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Tour the Capitol and watch the House session

4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. – Happy hour at McNees with nonprofit lobbying experts

Attendees will cover the cost of their own parking and lunch. We will provide happy hour drinks and appetizers, as well as free resource packets. 

Parking:

Street parking is available nearby or you can park at 5th Street Garage in Harrisburg (5th St Garage, 6 N 5th St, Harrisburg, PA 17101). Walk down Commonwealth Avenue to the East Wing Entrance of the Capitol building from the parking garage. We do not validate parking.