Advocacy 101 for Friends Groups

Friends Groups can play an important role in communicating with key decision-makers about park and trail issues and policies.

Watch this presentation, which covers the basics to help Friends Group understand how to get involved with educating and influencing decision-makers on the issues that matter to your group.

Answer key questions:

What is public policy advocacy?
Why advocate?
How can Friends Groups engage in public policy advocacy?

Partnership Opportunity: Legislative Advocacy

Partnering to advance park and trail projects in the 2026 bonding bill

Advocacy 101 for Friends Groups

Watch this presentation, which covers the basics to help Friends Group understand how to get involved with educating and influencing decision-makers on the issues that matter to your group.

How to Connect with Legislators

One great way to build awareness of your group and keep your projects moving forward is to gather support from your elected officials. While the tips below are geared toward state legislators, they can be adapted for mayors, city council members, and other elected officials.

Fundraising Tips for Friends Groups

While creating a fundraising plan, consider the following strategies to help make the process go smoothly and ensure your group is bringing in the support!

What are Restricted Funds?

Individuals or companies may donate money to be used for a specific purpose only. But before choosing to ask for restricted donations or grants, your group should consider the limitations inherent to this type of funding.

How to secure a grant

Grants are one of the most common ways that Friends Groups fund their projects. Grants can also take many forms, so here are a few general tips for finding the right funding fit for your group.

Engaging your Membership

Ideas about membership for Friends Groups

Tips on Hosting Events

Hosting an event is a great oportunity to work with Parks and Trials Council adn you should do it today.

Tips for effective brochures

Brochures, business cards, and other printed materials are a great way to communicate your Friends Group’s mission and key messages.

Tips for Organizing A Leadership Team

Leadership can take a lot of different forms, but many Friends Groups opt to create a Board of Directors or a Leadership Committee. This page includes resources for groups just starting on this journey, including position descriptions and a list of places to conduct outreach.

Tips on putting together your founding documents

Two of the most important documents for your Friends Group are your mission statement and your bylaws. This page includes some tips for getting started on both.

Webinar Recording: DNR new framework for working with Friends Groups

Watch the webinar to learn more about the DNR's new MOU for Friends Groups.

Managing Volunteers

Tips and resources for Friends Groups about managing volunteers

2026 Friends Group Work Plan Incentive Grant

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota proudly offers a grant program that will award six Friends Group Partners a $500 grant each ($3,000 total) to support their efforts in establishing and implementing 2026 work plans.

Submit an Event

Our Friends Group Partners and other community groups may submit events to our event calendar. Events must take place in a park or trail in Minnesota.

Event Liability Insurance

Friends Groups may need liability insurance when they host an event at a park or trail. P&TC may be able to work with your group to extend our liability insurance for this purpose.

Fiscal Sponsorship Interest Form

Fiscal sponsorship is one of the special services we offer our Friends Group Partners.

Fiscal Client Manual & FAQs

The resources and documents below are for our existing fiscal clients.

Fiscal Client Onboarding

P&TC has an onboarding checklist to ensure new officers of any of our fiscal clients understand the responsibilities and processes for managing their account.