When D.C. Stops, You Don’t: Advocacy Prep for a Government Shutdown

Government shutdowns aren’t just cable news fodder — they have very real consequences for nonprofits and the communities we serve. Delayed payments, disrupted services, higher costs, reduced impact. Sound familiar? Yeah, we’ve been here before.

I know this firsthand. I was working for Senator Al Franken during the 18-day 2013 shutdown in his state office in St. Paul, Minnesota.

DC felt like a ghost town. Constituents were panicked. And guess who became the lifeline? The state and district offices. While D.C. was empty, local staff were the bridge between nonprofits, constituents, and federal operations.

That’s why, if your organization could be affected by a shutdown, you need to get proactive on the advocacy side — now. Here are 7 steps you can take.

Step 1: Determine if you’ll be impacted

Not every nonprofit will feel the hit the same way. Take five minutes to check your funding streams and contracts. If you receive federal dollars, rely on reimbursements, or serve populations tied to federal programs, you’re at risk.

Here’s a quick primer from NPR that can help: How a shutdown could affect you.

Step 2: Connect with your Senators’ and Representatives’ local staff

Forget waiting until D.C. gets back to work. State and district staff are always important, but they become critical during a shutdown. These are the people who can elevate your concerns, troubleshoot problems, and connect you to whatever limited resources exist.

Reach out and ask for a meeting (phone or in-person). Keep it short and focused — this is about clarity, not drama.

Step 3: Bring receipts (aka data + stories)

When you meet with staff, have a one-pager ready that shows:

• The numbers: contracts or payments at risk, people served, potential delays.

• The stories: real examples of how a shutdown will hurt your community.

Numbers show the scale. Stories show the stakes. Together, they make your message impossible to ignore.

And here’s the pro move: don’t just hand over your fact sheet — let staff know your organization is ready to lift up these impacts publicly. Offer to host a site visit, join a press conference, or provide a spokesperson if they need real-world voices for the media. That takes your advocacy from “informative” to indispensable.

Step 4: Ask about shutdown logistics

During prolonged shutdowns, during which staff may be furloughed, every Senate and congressional office designates one or two “essential” staff who keep the lights on during a shutdown. Ask your state and district staff:

• Who are the "essential" staff?

• How can you reach them if the shutdown drags on?

• How will the office be communicating with nonprofits and constituents during a longer shutdown?

They may not have all the answers — but they’ll remember that you asked. And that you’re paying attention.

Step 5: Understand the difference between official vs. campaign activity

Shutdown or not, lawmakers don’t just vanish. Their official duties continue — they still hold their seats, still have constitutional responsibilities, and their paychecks don’t stop (unless they specifically vote to withhold them).

Here’s what that means for nonprofits:

• District/state offices may be pared down, but they’re still functioning. Constituent services, official meetings, and site visits can still happen. Lawmakers often use shutdown time to meet with local groups, tour facilities, and hold listening sessions. These are considered official duties.

• Campaigning is separate. In election years especially, lawmakers may blend their schedules — one stop is an official meeting with a nonprofit, the next is a campaign rally. The distinction comes down to resources: if taxpayer dollars are used, it’s official. If it’s campaign-paid, it’s campaign.

Why does this matter for you? Because even during a shutdown, you can and should engage with lawmakers in their official capacity. They’ll be back home, eager to show they’re listening and working. That’s your opening to highlight the real impacts on your community.

And again, extend the invitation: “We’d be glad to host you for a site visit or community roundtable so you can hear directly from those affected.” That makes it clear your nonprofit isn’t just sharing problems — you’re creating platforms for solutions.

Step 6: Build the relationship, not just the moment

If you already know these staffers, this will feel like a natural check-in. If you don’t, it may feel awkward. That’s okay. Reiterate that you’re not just here for this crisis — you want to build a lasting relationship beyond the shutdown. That’s how real advocacy power is built: consistent, authentic connection.

Step 7: Share your story beyond Congress

Lawmakers aren’t the only ones who need to hear about shutdown impacts. The media plays a powerful role in shaping the narrative.

Local reporters are always looking for concrete, community-based stories — and your nonprofit has them.

Start reaching out to your press contacts too. Share your data, pitch your stories, and don’t be afraid to name how a shutdown puts your mission and the people you serve at risk. The more coverage, the more pressure on Congress to act.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel — Use NCN’s Resource

The National Council of Nonprofits has created an excellent resource, Government Shutdown: What Should Nonprofits Do?, which lays out a full guide of financial, operational, programmatic, and communication steps nonprofits can take right now.

Here’s the piece of their checklist I want to lift up: Engage in Advocacy.

Because advocacy is cheaper (and way less stressful) than crisis management.

Get Expert Support

Preparing for a shutdown isn’t just about tightening your budget — it’s about making your voice impossible to ignore. That’s where I come in. I help nonprofits:

• Build relationships with lawmakers and their staff (before the crisis hits).

• Craft fact sheets and talking points that combine data + stories for maximum impact.

• Train staff and board members to advocate with confidence.

• Leverage the media and public pressure to amplify your message.

Bottom line: you don’t have to navigate shutdown advocacy alone. If you’re ready to get proactive — not panicked — let’s connect.

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