Minnesota is known for its strong communities. This reputation was built by generations of Minnesotans who engaged in their neighborhoods and invested in helping others, a tradition that grounds many dedicated nonprofits that are tackling the state’s toughest challenges today. But as those challenges have grown and changed over time, nonprofit organizations increasingly need innovative partners to continue serving as many people as possible.
From its office in downtown Saint Paul, Goff Public – a full-service partner offering public relations, public affairs, community engagement, digital strategy and creative services – plays a small but important part in supporting these vital organizations, offering free training and expertise to as many nonprofits as possible through its annual communications and advocacy training program.
“Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities but today, more than ever, many are stretching their resources and every dollar as far as they possibly can to make ends meet,” said Goff Public CEO and President Jen Hellman. “We started our free communications and advocacy workshop to share our team’s expertise where it can make a real difference: Empowering nonprofit leaders with best practices for getting more out of whatever resources they have.”
Held in person each year at Goff Public’s office, leaders from up to 20 Minnesota nonprofits learn from the firm’s public relations experts about how to identify and craft compelling stories, ways to package and share those stories to maximize their reach, and tips for working with media. They also learn from the agency’s public affairs team about how to confidently engage elected leaders and their staff, the best ways to share information with policymakers and agencies, and other key strategies for driving real change.
“Goff staff and fellow participants made this a valuable and enjoyable experience,” said 2025 program participant Lucy Faerber, senior program manager at Advocates for Better Health. “I left with new ideas, fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of how to elevate communications in service of mission-driven work.”
This year’s workshop will be structured as a two-day training program that will equip nonprofit leaders with strategic communication and advocacy skills while also connecting them with peers.
“We see firsthand the incredible work our nonprofits do for Minnesotans every day. We know that providing them with the tools for change and connections among leaders helps strengthen the entire state of Minnesota,” said Hellman.
The workshop is a manifestation of Goff Public’s founding belief that strong relationships build stronger communities. Since opening its doors in 1966 as one of the Twin Cities’ first public relations firms, its leaders have known that giving back isn’t just something they do – it’s fundamental to how they operate.