Don’t Send Unprepared Advocates Into the Fray
Advocacy training isn’t optional—it’s essential. In today’s climate, nonprofits can’t afford to send unprepared advocates into the fray. As a former U.S. Senate staffer, I saw passionate people miss opportunities simply because they lacked the right skills. Fall is the perfect time to give your team the tools, confidence, and strategy to win.
2 min read
Fall is for Planning, January is for Action: How to Prepare Now for Legislative Session
Most state legislative sessions begin in January—which means when the calendar flips, it’s go time. Fall is your golden window to plan, align your messaging, train advocates, and strengthen alliances so you can move fast when bills drop. The better your prep now, the more power you’ll have when the stakes are highest.
3 min read
"We Want to Hire You, But We Don’t Have the Money”: How to Fund Your Advocacy Work
Want to build your advocacy muscle but don’t know how to pay for it?
You’re not alone—and good news: it’s totally doable.
This quick guide breaks down 5 smart, strategic ways to fund your advocacy work—whether you're just getting started or ready to scale.
4 min read
What To Do When Everything Feels Out of Control: An Advocate’s Guide
When everything feels out of control, advocacy can feel impossible. But you don’t have to fix everything to make a difference. Start small. Plug into your local community. Connect with others doing the work. Remember: we've been here before, and we know how to fight back. Most importantly, take care of yourself—this is a long game, and we need you in it for the long haul. Here's how to stay grounded, connected, and impactful—even in the chaos.
3 min read
How to Work With a Lobbyist Without Losing Your Advocacy Soul
Learn how to work with a lobbyist who strengthens—not sidelines—your grassroots advocacy. Practical tips for nonprofit leaders and advocacy pros.
3 min read
From White Papers to People Power: Bridging the Policy-Advocacy Gap
Too many orgs have brilliant policy minds but zero plan to mobilize people. Without advocacy, you're just a think tank—smart, but not exactly changing the world. Here's how to bridge the gap and actually move the needle.
2 min read
How August Recess Really Works: Tips From a Former Senate Staffer
Think August recess is vacation time for lawmakers? Think again. As a former senior staffer who helped plan five August recess schedules, I can tell you it’s one of the busiest months of the year. Lawmakers and their teams are crisscrossing the state for site visits, fairs, and nonstop constituent meetings. If you want to make the most of this critical time for advocacy, you need strategy, relationships, and timing on your side.
5 min read
What I Learned Launching a Statewide Nonprofit Association (Spoiler: It’s About Power, Not Perfection)
Launching the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance taught me a lot about power, persistence, and the sector’s potential. In this reflection, I share what I learned as INA’s first director—why nonprofits need more than technical assistance, why advocacy isn’t optional, and why funders must get bolder to truly support systems change.
3 min read