501(c)(3) public charities can and do work through grassroots efforts and through direct contact with elected officials to pass or improve laws.  That advocacy is legitimate, encouraged, and protected under the law.  And it's important. 

The nonprofit organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has successfully lobbied to help pass over 2,300 drunk driving and under-age drinking laws throughout the country.  Animal welfare organizations are no different.  Many of them work to provide good laws at the local, state, and federal level as part of advocacy.

If you're associated with a nonprofit organization and want to learn more, take the time to get the facts on lobbying.  We need your help to reach the public and legislators. 

Here are a few sources of information:

Alliance for Justice

IRS (Lobbying Information)

Tools for Nonprofit Advocates

Nonprofit Lobbying and Advocacy in the Public Interest

Reports:

Worry-Free Lobbying for Nonprofits

Nonprofit Lobbying Guide

A brief and informative podcast concerning nonprofit advocacy and lobbying.  This podcast was produced by BoardStar, a program of the Nonprofit Management Fund:

BoardStar Podcast