These valuable tools are designed to empower you with the information and support needed to actively engage in the legislative process. Whether you are a National Certified Counselor, a member of the public, or a dedicated advocate, these resources are here to help you stay informed about our priorities, understand key policy issues, and effectively participate in advocacy efforts. By leveraging these tools, you can make your voice heard and champion important issues on behalf of the profession.
Engagement Hub: The Engagement Hub provides a collection of resources to support your efforts in advocating effectively on behalf of the counseling profession. Check back for updates and new materials to enhance your advocacy initiatives.
Legislative Agenda: The purpose of the NBCC legislative and regulatory agenda is to advocate on behalf of the National Certified Counselor workforce to enhance job creation, secure essential funding, and allocate resources that empower both professionals and the clients they serve. Our commitment to health equity ensures that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to quality mental health services.
Official Letters: NBCC and Affiliates and our partners draft letters to federal offices to articulate our expert perspectives on critical issues impacting the counseling profession and the clients served by counselors. These letters serve as valuable advocacy tools and can be referenced in your legislative engagement efforts to support policy initiatives aligned with the interests of the counseling community. You can access these letters here to inform and strengthen your engagement at the state and federal levels.
Additional Information for 501c3 and Lobbying Rules
IRS 501(c)(3):
In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities attempts to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but excessive lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.
Legislation:
Includes action by Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items (such as legislative confirmation of appointive office), or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure. It does not include actions by executive, judicial, or administrative bodies.
An organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates for the adoption or rejection of legislation.
Organizations may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying. For example, organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. Organizations may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying. For example, organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.
NOTE:
To determine how much lobbying is allowed by your organization, please see the IRS substantial part test and expenditure test prior to any lobbying.
