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When I’m Awake at 2:00 am, I Think About Strategic Plans with “Advocacy” in Them
Advocacy is showing up in more nonprofit strategic plans than ever. The challenge is not getting it into the plan. The challenge is what happens after the plan is approved. Too often organizations realize they do not actually know how to implement it.
Mar 44 min read
Tired of Reacting? It’s Time for an Advocacy Roadmap
Most nonprofits already hold real advocacy power in their subject matter expertise, localized data, lived-experience stories, and access to people ready to act. An Advocacy Roadmap helps you identify which of these superpowers you truly possess and use them strategically, rather than reacting with scattered effort.
Feb 194 min read
If I Started an Advocacy Program from Scratch
Most advocacy programs do not fail because of a lack of passion. They struggle because the pieces are disconnected. This post explores what it takes to move from scattered tactics to a coherent strategy and why design, not urgency, is what builds lasting power.
Feb 196 min read
Coexisting Is Not the Same as a Coalition
A lot of groups call themselves coalitions, but very few are actually building power. Without structure, shared strategy, and clear roles, coalition work turns into parallel efforts that rarely move policy. This post looks at what real coalition work requires, why so many stall out, and what changes when coalitions are intentionally designed to win.
Feb 85 min read
Why Your Advocacy Training Isn’t Translating Into Action
You can give your members all the advocacy training in the world, but if your organization isn’t providing clear direction, people will hesitate. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re being left to figure it out on their own. People power doesn’t activate itself. It has to be invited, directed, and supported.
Feb 35 min read
Do Protests Actually Create Change?
Do protests create change? Sometimes, but not by themselves. This post looks at what protests are actually good at, where advocacy picks up the work, and how nonprofits can build real pathways from moments of resistance to durable policy change.
Jan 255 min read
A Lobby Day Is Not a Grassroots Strategy
About 90% of the time, when I ask organizations how they engage their grassroots, the answer is, “We have a lobby day.” That answer tells me a lot. Lobby days matter, but they cannot carry your entire advocacy strategy. Here’s how to turn one day at the capitol into something that actually builds momentum.
Jan 114 min read