When D.C. Stops, Your Advocacy Shouldn't


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:

  • Connecting with district and state offices (critical lifelines during a shutdown).
  • Showing up with data and stories that make your case hard to ignore.
  • Offering site visits, roundtables, or media opportunities to spotlight impacts.
  • Understanding the difference between official vs. campaign activity.

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,
Bethany Snyder
Nonprofit Advocacy Expert
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Snyder Strategies, LLC

As a nonprofit advocacy expert, I empower organizations to leverage their voices, mobilize their communities, and win on the policies that shape their mission.

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