Who is speaking for your mission when you aren’t in the room?

David Oaks SGNN Board Chair

Thursday, March 5

6:30 a.m.

As a nonprofit leader, it’s easy to feel like the “big decisions”—the ones involving state appropriations, education funding, and legislative shifts—happen in rooms you’ll never enter. It feels like a world away, doesn’t it?

Who speaks for your mission in rooms you'll never enter? 🏛️ John Crawford from Coleman Talley Strategies brings 20+ years of government relations experience to SGNN's March 12 conference

But remember the “ripple effect” we talked about?

The science shows that your influence doesn’t stop at your front door. It ripples out through three degrees of separation.

If a friend of a friend of a friend can influence your happiness, imagine what a “weak tie” in the state capitol can do for your organization’s future.

That is why I am so excited that John Crawford is joining us on March 12.

John isn’t just a speaker; he is a “bridge.” As the Principal of the Government Affairs division at Coleman Talley Strategies, John brings over two decades of experience in the rooms where it happens.

He has spent twenty years lobbying for state and federal appropriations and navigating the complex world of government relations. He knows exactly how the “ripples” of new legislation will hit your nonprofit in 2026.

At the Connect • Learn • Lead Conference, John is going to give you the “Insider’s Playbook” on:

• The 2026 Legislative Update: What’s moving in Atlanta and D.C. that actually affects South Georgia nonprofits.

• Advocacy vs. Lobbying: How your organization can have a voice without crossing legal lines.

• Building Your Own “Weak Ties”: How to connect with the people who make the decisions that affect your funding.

The Details:

• When: March 12, 2026 | 7:45 AM - 3:00 PM

• Where: Second Harvest of South Georgia, Valdosta

• Cost: $25 (Includes a Chick-fil-A lunch and your SGNN membership!)

Click here to grab your seat and get the 2026 Playbook →

You don’t need to be a professional lobbyist to protect your mission. You just need to be in the right room with the right people.

This is your opportunity to meet and interact with John.

P.S. John is just one part of an incredible day. We’re also diving deep into AI for Nonprofits (so you can work smarter, not harder) and Social Media Best Practices. We are limited to 100 seats, and they are going fast.

Register here.