How to Work With a Lobbyist Without Losing Your Advocacy Soul
- bethany6152
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Spoiler: They’re not your whole strategy—but they can still be part of a winning one.
I recently made the case that relying only on lobbyists is a losing strategy for nonprofits. And I stand by that.
But let me be clear: I’m not anti-lobbyist. I was one. I know firsthand how valuable they can be—and how frustrating it is when they’re not used (or don’t show up) effectively.
The truth is, one of the biggest barriers to building a powerful, people-centered advocacy program can be... your lobbyist. I've seen the good, the bad, and the infuriating.
And unfortunately, it's rare to work with a lobbyist who truly understands grassroots advocacy or how to leverage an organization’s power beyond the Capitol walls.
That said, when you get it right—when the lobbyist and the organization are in sync—it’s a thing of beauty. Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Know What You’re Paying For—And Ask the Right Questions
Lobbyists track legislation. They know the rules of the game. They know which lawmaker to talk to, when to talk to them, and how to finesse a hallway conversation into policy movement. But you have to be asking the right questions. Weekly reports (verbal or written) during session should be non-negotiable.
You should know:
Who are they talking to?
What are they saying?
What’s coming up in the next 2–3 weeks that your network could help move?
Is there a hearing where you need to show up with bodies or stories? And why.
Are constituents needed for a key meeting? And why.
What do our advocates need trained on?
If you’re not looped in, you can’t activate your people—and that’s where your real power is.
2. Don’t Let Your Lobbyist Write Your Advocacy Emails
I repeat: Do. Not. Let. Your. Lobbyist. Write. Your. Advocacy. Emails.
(Unless they are the rare unicorn who actually knows how to communicate with humans and not just other policy wonks.)
Instead, you or someone on your team should take their updates and translate them into compelling, action-oriented messages. Remember, a great policy memo isn’t the same thing as a powerful advocacy alert. (Need a refresher? See my blog post on Policy vs. Advocacy).
3. Make Them Plan With You in the Off-Season
Lobbyists love to say “we’ll talk after session,” and then disappear until January. Don’t let that happen.
Late summer and fall are when real strategy is built. Use this time to:
Review your legislative goals
Identify your targets (and whether they’re even movable)
Analyze the political environment
Line up your champions
Train your advocates
Get your ducks—and your advocates—in a row
If your lobbyist isn’t willing to sit down and do this with you, that’s a red flag.
4. Hire Carefully—And Ask the Hard Questions
Before you sign that contract, dig deeper. Ask how they work with organizations to leverage their grassroots power—and don’t settle for vague answers. Push for real examples.
If a lobbyist claims they can “handle it all on their own,” be suspicious. Effective lobbying is a team sport. They should be working closely with someone inside your organization who understands your base, your strategy, and your goals.
To help you dig deeper, I pulled together this resource: 10 questions that reveal whether your potential lobbyist can actually help you build power—not just pass bills.
5. Bring in an Advocacy Pro
This isn’t a plug—it’s a strategy.
You need someone on your team who gets the inside game and the outside game. Someone who can write the talking points, create the action alerts, mobilize your base, and make sure your message lands in the hearing room and the inbox.
A good lobbyist will appreciate having that kind of partner. A bad one? Well, let’s just say they might start updating their résumé.
Bottom line: A good lobbyist is an asset. But they’re not your whole playbook. Pair them with a powerful grassroots strategy (and strategist), and that’s when change happens.
And if you want someone to help build that strategy? You know where to find me.
Not All Lobbyists Get Grassroots—Use These 10 Questions to Find One Who Does
Before you sign that contract, ask the right questions. This free guide helps you vet whether your lobbyist builds real power—or just talks a good game.
Want more smart, sassy, actionable advocacy insights like this?
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