When Speaking Up Feels Risky, Associations Step In

If you know anything about me, you know I’m a very enthusiastic NPR listener and supporter—period. I believe in public radio and think it’s one of the best ways to stay informed about what’s happening in our world.

And while NPR covers plenty of policy, politics, and advocacy stories, it’s not often that they highlight advocacy strategy.

But a recent story really caught my attention because it perfectly illustrates something I tell clients all the time: membership-based organizations hold incredible advocacy power—especially when individual organizations feel like they can’t speak up.

In this story, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—one of the most powerful membership associations in the country—sued the Trump administration over a massive increase in H-1B visa fees. While many major corporations (especially in Big Tech) stayed silent, their association took action.

Why? Because that’s the beauty of associations.

They can say the quiet part out loud on behalf of their members.

When it’s politically sensitive, reputationally risky, or just not strategic for individual organizations to take a stand, associations give their members collective strength and cover. They offer coordination, protection, and legitimacy—allowing industries, professions, and causes to advocate for the greater good.

And this dynamic isn’t unique to the corporate world. It’s just as true for nonprofits and foundations. Just look at what the National Council of Nonprofits has been doing on behalf of the nonprofit sector.

Many nonprofit leaders and funders feel pressure to “stay in their lane” or avoid advocacy for fear of political backlash, donor sensitivity, or jeopardizing government relationships. But that’s exactly where nonprofit associations, coalitions, and philanthropy-serving organizations come in.

When individual organizations can’t—or won’t—speak up, these membership-based groups can. They can take principled, coordinated positions on behalf of the sector, push back against harmful policies, and make the case for better systems that help everyone do their work more effectively.

This is why the advocacy work of organizations like state nonprofit associations, community foundations, and issue-based coalitions is so critical. They’re the connective tissue of the social sector—the ones who can raise their hands, call out bad policy, and push for change when others have to stay quiet.

So, if you’re a member of one of these associations—get engaged.If you lead one—lean into your advocacy role.And if you’re a foundation wondering where to invest your next dollar, consider this: funding collective advocacy is one of the smartest, most leveraged investments you can make.

Because when speaking up feels risky, associations step in.And that’s how real change begins.

---

How Snyder Strategies Can Help

If your association, coalition, or foundation wants to flex its advocacy muscle—but you’re not sure where to start—I can help.

At Snyder Strategies, I work with nonprofits, associations, and funders to:

• Build advocacy strategies that amplify collective impact and policy influence.

• Design campaigns that align with your mission and your members’ comfort levels.

• Train staff, boards, and funder networks to understand what advocacy really is—and how to do it effectively within legal and strategic boundaries.

Because advocacy isn’t just about politics.It’s about protecting your mission, your community, and your collective voice.

Let’s make sure you’re heard—loud, clear, and strategic.

👉 Learn more at snyderstrategies.me

---

Want more smart, actionable advocacy insights like this?

Join my email list for actionable tactics that help your nonprofit build power, influence policy, and actually get things done. No fluff—just tools, tips, and a little tough love.

👉 Sign up here to stay in the loop.