Lobbyists Are Loose in the Capitol: Your Survival Guide
Lobbyists are gearing up for session—but that doesn’t mean your advocacy work is on autopilot. A lobbyist is a partner, not the whole plan. This post pulls together my best advice on how nonprofits can work with lobbyists more strategically and build real influence.
Dec 113 min read
When Good Intentions Make Bad Advocacy
Some nonprofits are diving into advocacy without understanding the basics -- and it shows. A recent national action alert urged everyone to call random senators with zero targeting or constituent connection. Hill staffers don’t need another day of explaining Civics 101. If you want to advocate effectively, precision matters.
Nov 294 min read
Nonprofits: Stop Pretending Elections Don’t Affect Your Legislative Work
Nonprofits don’t need to endorse candidates to think strategically. As you plan for 2026, the election year will shape lawmakers, narratives, and opportunities. Ignoring that isn’t compliance -- it’s a blind spot.
Nov 243 min read
Your Volunteers Aren’t Just Helpers - They’re Advocates Waiting to Happen
Volunteers don’t need to be policy experts — just confident. A little guidance on advocacy basics, storytelling, and connecting with lawmakers turns them into powerful advocates.
Nov 185 min read
How to Pivot Quickly When the World Is on Fire
Nonprofit leaders know the chaos never stops—new crises, new policies, new fires to put out. When I led the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance through a whirlwind of executive orders in early 2025, I learned how to pivot fast without losing focus. Here’s how to stay grounded, move quickly, and lead with clarity when everything around you is shifting.
Nov 53 min read
When Speaking Up Feels Risky, Associations Step In
A recent NPR story highlights how associations can speak up when individual organizations cannot. For nonprofits and foundations, this underscores the critical role of membership networks and coalitions in advancing policy, protecting missions, and ensuring the sector’s collective voice is heard.
Oct 263 min read
Advocacy Without Communications? Good Luck.
Advocacy without communications is like driving on empty—you won’t get far. Policy may be the what, but advocacy is the how—and it only works if you’re telling your story, keeping supporters engaged, and building pressure along the way. Here’s why strong communications is the secret fuel behind every successful advocacy effort.
Oct 123 min read
Beyond the Letter: Smarter Advocacy in Tough Times
In today’s political climate, blasting out letters can seem inadequate. Smart advocacy means more strategy: relationships, coalitions, tailored messages, and even the media—to cut through the noise. When lawmakers know you, when allies coordinate, and when your story hits headlines, your voice becomes impossible to ignore.
Sep 223 min read
When D.C. Stops, You Don’t: Advocacy Prep for a Government Shutdown
A government shutdown isn’t just D.C. drama — it directly impacts nonprofits and the people we serve. From connecting with district staff to sharing stories with the media, now is the time to prepare. Advocacy is your best defense — and your most affordable one.
Sep 94 min read
How to Incorporate Advocacy Strategy Into Your Nonprofit’s Board Retreat
If advocacy is central to your mission—or should be—your board retreat is the perfect place to sharpen your strategy. A guided session can help your board define what advocacy success looks like, identify your superpowers (expertise, data, stories, supporters), and clarify their role in resourcing it. A few hours now can set your organization up for years of impact.
Sep 23 min read