A recent study conducted on behalf of the Sunflower Foundation showed that only 40 percent of health nonprofit leaders in Kansas believe their mission calls for participation in public policy, and of these, only one-third spend more than a few hours a week as advocates to the state legislature during its session.

The Sunflower Foundation believes that increasing the number of nonprofit health leaders who advocate on behalf of their constituents informs public policy and leads to real solutions for those in need.

So, in 2009, the Sunflower Foundation Advocacy Fellowship was established. The inaugural class of 15 Fellows began on November 19, 2008, and concluded September 9, 2009. We chose to highlight three of the 15 Fellows in this annual report as a way to showcase their work and to encourage others to become advocates.

By becoming involved in advocacy, nonprofit leaders are advancing their causes, building public trust and helping the people they serve. They are truly making a difference and helping improve the health and wellness of Kansans.

Learn more about the Sunflower Foundation’s focus on advocacy and the Advocacy Fellowship.