VOLUNTEERS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
NONPROFITS CAN (AND SHOULD) ADVOCATE
Seeing real, lasting change for your cause isn't just a dream, it's a necessity. But for small nonprofits like yours, the path to effective advocacy can feel daunting. Limited staff, tight budgets, and navigating the complexities of policy and decision-making can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can make a powerful difference, even with limited resources. Let's work together to turn your passion for change into lasting impact for your cause.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Janelle Greenlee (aka Nellie Green) and I'm a public policy specialist with a proven track record of success in advocacy and policymaking. I've led efforts to shape policies at global, national, and state levels and have created and implemented effective advocacy training programs. I've also had the privilege to collaborate with federal and state agencies on impactful public health initiatives, serving on all sides of the legislative experience as a legislative author, analyst, and sponsor. I've organized successful advocacy events in Washington D.C. and multiple state capitols, empowering nonprofit organizations (and their volunteers!) to advocate for causes that matter to their communities. If you share my dedication to advocacy, policy development, or any of the issues I'm committed to, please get in touch--I look forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration and positive change together!
SPECIALTIES
Issue Identification and Research
Legislative Strategy and Advocacy
Community and Coalition Building
Advocacy Training and Tools
Global
International Consensus Publication
in the Lancet Medical Journal
Participated in the International Congenital Cytomegalovirus Recommendations Group, convened in 2015 to provide recommendations for CMV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment which were later published in the Lancet medical journal
International Consult
Referral Program
Revolutionized access to prenatal and neonatal care worldwide by connecting parents with renowned CMV clinical experts and research centers through an online consultation and treatment referral program
Global Policy Survey
Collected data on CMV education and screening protocols through a survey of medical professionals and researchers in 24 countries representing diverse regions and healthcare systems
National
CDC Education
Material Development
Launched the multi-year advocacy effort towards the CDC's development of branded CMV education materials geared towards medical professionals and pregnant women, worked extensively with CDC staff until their realization and cross-clearance agency approved distribution
Built Nationwide
Advocacy Infrastructure
Created advocacy training programs and corresponding materials, then facilitated their adoption by activist networks across the country, targeting policymakers with critical information about CMV
Federal Universal Newborn Screening Nomination
Gathered research and guided the creation of a multidisciplinary team of clinical and policy experts, culminating in the submission of the first CMV Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) application to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
State
State Health
Department Trainings
Facilitated the professional development of state health department personnel from multiple states contrasting legislative mandates and agency stakeholder approaches to health education and screening initiatives, provided advocacy training to enable departmental development, prioritization, and internal promotion of CMV programs
California Employment
Leave Legislation
Directed the strategy and successful passage of the nation's most bipartisan Reproductive Loss Leave bill, garnering vocal support from both sides of the aisle and ultimately securing the Governor's signature
Legislative Hearing Coordination
Facilitated the presence and participation of CMV families, clinicians, and experts as both specialized witnesses and public commenters at Sacramento legislative hearings
Local
Universal Basic
Income (UBI) Panel
Convened and guided a diverse panel of state and county policymakers, non-profit leaders, and young adults impacted by foster care to delve into Santa Clara County's innovative UBI program, designed to support transitional-age youth leaving the system
Empowering Local
Women Advocates
Facilitated community engagement with local women's organizations by coordinating interactive workshops on California's legislative process, focusing on safe and strategic involvement for nonprofits and their volunteers
Student Pedestrian
Safety Awareness
Led outreach to state policymakers and stakeholders to voice concerns about a San Jose development plan's inadequate traffic safety studies, particularly for underserved high school student pedestrians and cyclists