Aug. 18, 2025 — Two Northwest Mississippi nonprofit leaders have graduated from a statewide program designed to strengthen advocacy and civic engagement across the state.
Brenda Smith and Kara Dulaney, co-directors of the Maddox Nonprofit and Volunteer Resource HUB in Hernando, recently completed the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy’s Nonprofit Civic Engagement Collective.
The program brings together nonprofit leaders from across Mississippi to unite organizations around common causes, build stronger support systems, and develop advocacy campaigns that can influence policy.
During the training, Smith and Dulaney received instruction on IRS lobbying rights and limitations, the Mississippi legislative process, frameworks for developing advocacy programs, and building statewide peer networks.
From left, Brenda Smith and Kara Dulaney
“This experience equips us to better serve Northwest Mississippi’s nonprofits by amplifying their voices, strengthening civic engagement, and working collaboratively for lasting change,” Smith said.
The Maddox HUB, a program of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, provides training, resources, and support to help nonprofits and volunteers succeed. With skills gained through the Civic Engagement Collective, Smith and Dulaney are expected to expand the HUB’s impact by helping local nonprofits engage more effectively in advocacy and policy efforts.
More information about the Maddox Nonprofit and Volunteer Resource HUB is available at cfnm.org/resourcehub/.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
