2026 Elections: How Maine Nonprofits Can Take Action
Zoom
Event Details
What does an election year mean for your nonprofit? How can your organization engage in the election while remaining nonpartisan? What broader issues are at stake?
Join MANP for the second part of our Advocacy Series, and get an overview of what’s at stake in the 2026 election in Maine and why it matters to nonprofits. We will answer common questions about what election-related activities nonprofits (and their staff and volunteers) can and cannot do, and we’ll leave plenty of time to answer your questions.
This virtual session will cover:
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Election law basics, including how to share basic election information
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Voter engagement, including Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts
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How to learn more about candidates’ positions on issues that matter to your mission
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Nonpartisan ways your nonprofit can help your people be well-informed voters this year
This is the first session in a two-part Advocacy Series. The second session, Nonprofit Advocacy 101: Why, What, and How, is being held on September 23.
For More Information:
Cost + Registration
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You are welcome to register for this event at no cost! Revenue from our events supports the work we do on behalf of all nonprofits in Maine, and we welcome financial support from those who are able to provide it.
A MANP login is required to register. Don't have a login yet? It's quick + easy! Find instructions here on how to create a login and link it to your organization or business.
Note: You do not have to be a MANP member to create a login.
- Participants will receive access information in the registration confirmation email as well as in reminder emails that will be sent one day and one hour prior to the live event.
- This session will be recorded and shared with registrants following the event.
- To cancel your registration, please email Learn@NonprofitMaine.org.
Accessibility
MANP is committed to ensuring all participants are accommodated at our events. If you have accessibility needs, please email us at Learn@NonprofitMaine.org with your request no fewer than 10 business days prior to the event.
About the Presenters
Joann Bautista is a native of Iowa and first-generation Mexican- American. She is a graduate of The University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and International Studies. She is also a proud graduate of The University of Maine School of Law and (very) happy to call Maine home. During law school, Joann was selected to be a Fellow in the Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School and spent time in Seattle, Washington defending detained youth for Kids in Need of Defense, a national non-profit. Following law school, Joann moved to Washington D.C. to work on federal immigration policy for the National Immigrant Justice Center, focusing on issues impacting unaccompanied children and asylum seekers.
Most recently Joann worked for the ACLU of Maine and was the Advocacy Director for Preble Street, leading efforts around homelessness, hunger and poverty. Joann is now the Deputy Secretary of State - Policy Advisor in the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta. She is the first woman of color in the history of the state to hold this position.
In the Secretary of State's Office, Joann plays an integral role in shaping and implementing legislative goals and priorities; frequently meets with elected officials, advocates, and other stakeholders; and aims to put an equity and inclusion lens on all of the Department's internal and external policies and procedures.
Lisa Prosienski is a political strategist who combines a unique blend of legal experience with two decades of expertise in elections, public policy, government, and advocacy.
Thoughtful and hands-on, Lisa specializes in election law, campaign finance, and nonprofit entities, advising clients on navigating the complex rules that govern elections, advocacy, and influence.
Before pursuing a career in law, Lisa's professional experiences included leading state and federal candidate campaigns, advising on ballot questions and policy issues, serving as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Pingree, advising major contributors, and bringing together major coalitions. She brings a valuable perspective and depth and breadth of experience to her clients, spanning law, advocacy, policy, and politics.