by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
In my role as the Director of Advocacy & Research at TNN, I often spend my days looking at spread sheets, policy briefs, legislative calendars, and the state’s administrative code (I know you’re already jealous of my days). But recently, I had the privilege of stepping away from the screens to witness the work in action at the 2026 Advocacy Summit on Tuesday, February 24th, and Nonprofit Day on the Hill on Wednesday, February 25th, in Nashville, TN.
2026 Advocacy Summit – Local Focus, Big Impact
This year, we saw our largest turnout yet, with 108 advocates joining us. We intentionally focused the Summit on advocacy at the local level to reflect the work that our sector does every day in our neighborhoods and communities. While the headlines often focus on Nashville or D.C., the policies that impact our neighbors’ daily lives – housing, local funding, and community services – are often decided in city halls and county commissions.
Our keynote speaker, Matt Marshall (President/CEO of the United Ways of Tennessee), set a powerful tone for the day. He challenged us to move beyond simply responding to the consequences of poor policy to helping shape better policy from the start. His message hit home – big impact doesn’t start at the Capitol; it starts with local leaders who are courageous enough to turn “community truth” into systems change.
We also dove into the “how-to” of local engagement during a fireside chat with Beth Davis (Deputy Mayor of Cumberland County) and Christy Dolinich (Executive Director & CEO of Creative Compassion). My key takeaway from their discussion was advocacy isn’t just about a single vote; it’s about maintaining long-term, productive relationships with local officials and decision makers in your community.
2026 Nonprofit Day on the Hill – Nonprofits as Infrastructure
Following the Summit, we headed to the Capitol for our third annual Nonprofit Day on the Hill as Tennessee Nonprofit Network. This year was particularly special as it marked our first time co-hosting the event alongside the United Ways of Tennessee and the Tennessee Afterschool Network.
Seeing over 140 nonprofit advocates gathered on the Hill was a powerful testament to our sector’s strength. Our message was clear: Tennessee nonprofits are a part of Tennessee’s essential infrastructure. Just like roads and schools, our organizations provide the vital support systems that allow every corner of our state to thrive.
A major highlight of the day was our morning’s awards program, where we recognized those who have gone above and beyond for our sector:
- The Public Service Innovation Award, honoring Commissioner Clarence Carter for his leadership at the Department of Human Services and for several of the pilot programs his administration has initiated to identify best practices for serving Tennesseans.
- The Public Service Impact Award, honoring Chris Fears, Director of Customer Focused Government, for his leadership and collaborative work to identify and solution pain points within the state’s grant management processes.
- The Champion for Tennessee Award, recognizing Senator Briggs and Representative Haston for their work in championing legislation (SB 364 / HB 225) aimed at improving education and access to services for Tennessee’s children and families.
A Huge Thank You!
Events of this scale don’t happen in a vacuum. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire TNN team for their work on both events. I also want to give a special shout-out to our Advocacy Summit planning committee – made up of dedicated members of our Community Action Council – and our Nonprofit Day on the Hill planning committee, which included our invaluable partners from the United Ways of Tennessee and the Tennessee Afterschool Network. Your vision ensured these events were not just meetings, but catalysts for real change.
Looking Ahead
The energy from these events proves that when we move beyond being the “silent partner” in Tennessee’s success, we can shape a stronger, more resilient state. Advocacy isn’t just a task on a to-do list; it is a commitment to the people we serve.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke with conviction, and continues to advocate for a better Tennessee. I am so proud to do this work alongside you.