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Rumors of a government shutdown are swirling — and while D.C. might see it as political theater, nonprofits know the reality: delayed payments, disrupted services, higher costs, and more stress than anyone needs. I experienced the 2013 shutdown firsthand — and I’m sharing what I learned in my new blog: When D.C. Stops, You Don’t: Advocacy Prep for a Government Shutdown. Inside, you’ll find practical steps nonprofits can take now to get advocacy-ready, including:
I also share a comprehensive guide from the National Council of Nonprofits that outlines what every organization should do to get ready. 👉 Read the full blog here: When D.C. Stops, You Don’t Because let’s be real: advocacy is cheaper (and far less stressful) than crisis management. In solidarity, Don't miss these recent blogs, because you definitely need more tabs open…📌 Incorporate Advocacy Into Your Board Retreat — don't leave advocacy out of your strategic planning process. |
As a nonprofit advocacy expert, I empower organizations to leverage their voices, mobilize their communities, and win on the policies that shape their mission.
I have a bit of a confession. When I can’t sleep, my brain does not wander to relaxing places. It goes straight to strategic plans. Specifically, the ones that say they prioritize advocacy…but actually don't. Because here’s the thing. Many organizations say advocacy is a priority. It shows up in a sentence or two. Maybe it's even in a whole section or pillar of your strategic plan. But when you look closer, it is not operationalized. There is no clear ownership, no defined goals, and no real...
If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “Why didn’t we get time with the Senator?” this one is for you. Because I’m going to say something that not everyone loves, but everyone needs to hear: Meeting with staff is not a consolation prize. It’s often the most important meeting you’ll have. Your Reality Check This week’s post comes from a conversation I overheard in DCA airport after a day on Capitol Hill. A group was frustrated. They had traveled all the way to DC and only met with...
I recently talked with a nonprofit leader who told me something I hear all the time. “We’re doing a lot of advocacy… I just don’t know if any of it is working.” They had action alerts going out. They had a lobby day planned. Their team was posting on social about policy issues. They even had a lobbyist! On paper, it looked like an advocacy program. But when I asked a simple question, “What is the strategy tying all of this together?” she got quiet. This is the pattern I see over and over...