Why the “Lobbyist-Only” Advocacy Strategy is a Losing Game for Nonprofits

Remember that blog post I wrote—"Don’t Go It Alone: Why Engaging Your Allies Is Critical to Advocacy Success"? Well, consider this the real-world sequel.

An organization I watched closely did exactly what I warned against: they went it alone. They hired a lobbyist, shut the door behind them, and assumed that was enough.

Spoiler: it wasn’t.

Here’s the thing—they had a compelling mission, real community impact, and important policy goals. But instead of bringing their allies along, activating their network, or showing legislators their broad base of support, they relied solely on their lobbyist to make the case.

No coordinated messaging. No grassroots push. No visible movement behind the scenes.

And lawmakers noticed. Or rather, they didn’t.

The absence of visible, vocal support made it easy for decision-makers to assume this issue just wasn’t urgent. And without public pressure, sector backing, or constituent voices, the effort stalled.

Don’t get me wrong—lobbyists are valuable. A good one can open doors, translate policy jargon, and help you navigate complicated systems. But a lobbyist is not a strategy.

They’re a tactic. One part of a much bigger whole.

When nonprofits sideline their most powerful assets—their people, partners, and public voice—they cut themselves off from their true source of power. Policy change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when lawmakers hear from trusted allies, when they see sector-wide alignment, and when they feel public accountability.

And frankly, a lobbyist who doesn’t encourage you to engage your broader network?

That’s a red flag.

Your community is your power. Your coalition is your credibility. And your collective voice is what moves policy.

So please—use lobbyists. But don’t hand them the keys and walk away. Advocacy only works when you bring your whole village.

Lean on Snyder Strategies for Expert Support

At Snyder Strategies, I help nonprofits build advocacy strategies that actually work—grounded in coalition power, community voice, and strategic policy engagement. Yes, I’ve worked with lobbyists (some great ones! and I was one!), and I also know the magic happens when your people show up, your allies speak out, and your mission is impossible to ignore.

Whether you're starting from scratch or rethinking a stalled campaign, I can help you design a strategy that lifts your whole ecosystem—not just one hired gun. Let’s build something stronger, together.

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