Advocacy is a key tool for nonprofits aiming to influence policy and secure funding. However, many nonprofits often struggle to prepare their teams for effective advocacy due to a lack of resources or knowledge about where to focus their efforts.

In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, I’m joined by Bethany Snyder, a renowned expert in nonprofit advocacy and the founder of Snyder Strategies. Bethany brings over two decades of experience in empowering nonprofit organizations to effectively influence policy and drive meaningful change.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Bethany urges nonprofit leaders to recognize their potential influence and not shy away from advocacy. She highlights the importance of stepping up and making their voices heard in policy discussions.


About Bethany Snyder

Bethany Snyder, MPP is the founder of Snyder Strategies, LLC, a boutique consulting firm she formed to share and leverage her deep understanding of the advocacy world with nonprofit and membership-based organizations. With nearly 25 years of experience in communications, advocacy, and public affairs, Bethany is a seasoned professional and a nonprofit advocacy expert. She has been on all sides of the advocacy desk - as a grassroots advocacy director, a lobbyist, a consultant, a comms director, and a US Senate staffer. Having worked for a range of organizations, she is passionate about ensuring that nonprofit and social justice organizations use their voices and expertise to influence policies that impact those most in need.

Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn

Event: Beyond the Ballot: How to Safely and Effectively Leverage the Elections

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Today, we're diving into the world of nonprofit websites and how to make them more user-friendly to better serve your mission and engage your audience. I'm thrilled to welcome our guest, Spencer Brooks, an expert in web design and digital marketing for nonprofits.

Spencer Brooks is the Founder & Principal of Brooks Digital, a website development and usability studio for nonprofits, particularly those in the health space. He has over a decade of experience leading projects for organizations with complex, high-traffic websites, such as the YMCA and The diaTribe Foundation. His writing has been featured in publications such as the Stanford Social Innovation Review, TechSoup, and Nonprofit Marketing Guide.

This episode is sponsored by RSVPify. At RSVPify, you can host ticketed events for free - no subscription required. Host any free event with a monthly or annual subscription. Use the code NONPROFITNATION50 at checkout for an 50% off any annual subscription (discount applied for first year only) - or 50% off any monthly subscription for three months (billed at full rate subsequently).

About Spencer Brooks

Spencer Brooks is the Founder & Principal of Brooks Digital, a website development and usability studio for nonprofits, particularly those in the health space. He has over a decade of experience leading projects for organizations with complex, high-traffic websites, such as the YMCA and The diaTribe Foundation. His writing has been featured in publications such as the Stanford Social Innovation Review, TechSoup, and Nonprofit Marketing Guide.

Connect with Spencer on LinkedIn
Visit Brooks Digital's website

Blog: The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Website User Experience (UX)

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What makes a nonprofit successful? A lot of things. An engaged donor base, for example. Enthusiastic Board members. A compelling case for support. Those are all necessary to grow your organization and sustain your mission.

But a critically important and often overlooked element is the employee. Nonprofits suffer higher turnover than any other sector. The nonprofit turnover rate clocks in at just over 21% and the overwhelming majority of that is voluntary. Surveys show that nearly half of nonprofit employees will seek other jobs by 2025.

So what can be done? This is where a successful employee retention strategy comes in.

My guest is the one-and-only Kishshana Palmer, Kishshana is CEO of ManageMint Inc., an organizational development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. In this episode, Kishshana will unravel the secrets behind creating sticky teams and boosting employee retention.

Listeners, if you found today's discussion insightful and want to learn more about creating sticky teams and boosting employee retention, don't forget to check out the on-demand training at www.managemint.co/freeresources. Success is within reach, and it starts with investing in your team's growth and well-being. Thank you for tuning in, and until next time, keep leading with purpose and compassion.

About Kishshana Palmer

Kishshana Palmer is an international speaker, trainer, and coach with a 20+ year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders create high performing teams.

Kishshana is CEO of ManageMint, Inc., an organizational development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. Her firm's work centers on equity and social justice and practical solutions for today’s organizations. She is the founder of The Rooted Collaborative -- a global community focused on the growth and development of women leaders of color in the social sector. She's the host of the podcast "ManageMint Made Easy" formerly "Let's Take This Offline", an adjunct professor at Baruch College, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer (CGT), A Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a Q3LC Certified Coach and an AFP Master Trainer. When an organization wants to grow, find and retain people on their team, raise money, and more she is the fairy godmother they have on speed dial. Her work isn’t limited to organizations, she also coaches high performing leaders.

Kishshana is a NYC girl now living in Atlanta and a mother of one wonderful teenage daughter. Kishshana is the epitome of your classic 90's Queens homegirl and quintessential corner office executive. She is your daily dose of Claire Huxtable with a side of Blanche Devereaux.

Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn
kishshanapalmer.com
managemint.co

Other resource mentioned: https://www.managemint.co/freeresources

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As the U.S. gears up for the 2024 presidential election, nonprofit professionals find themselves at the intersection of philanthropy and politics, considering the unique challenges and opportunities that come with fundraising during an election year.

My guest this week is Alyssa Wright, industry expert on fundraising. Having spent time as a human rights activist in Eastern Europe and Africa, Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in international philanthropy to Wright Collective. With a background in community organizing and the arts, Alyssa leads the Collective with skill, creativity, and passion.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of setting fundraising goals for 2024, drawing reflections from historical trends, research, and insightful analyses.

This episode is sponsored by RSVPify. At RSVPify, you can host ticketed events for free - no subscription required. Host any free event with a monthly or annual subscription. Use the code NONPROFITNATION50 at checkout for an 50% off any annual subscription (discount applied for first year only) - or 50% off any monthly subscription for three months (billed at full rate subsequently).

About Alyssa Wright

Having spent time as a human rights activist in Eastern Europe and Africa, Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in international philanthropy to Wright Collective. With a background in community organizing and the arts, Alyssa leads the Collective with skill, creativity, and passion. As an accomplished facilitator, consultant, and coach, she builds new revenue streams, shifts cultural perspectives, and inspires people to believe that change is possible no matter what.

She has helped hundreds of both domestic and global social change organizations successfully launch major gifts programs, capital campaigns, and create sustainable funding models resulting in over $100,000,000 of resource flow. Everyone that has worked with Alyssa knows that she is a true partner. She answers late-night text messages, takes on difficult conversations for clients, and makes jokes that will keep clients smiling through rejected proposals and rained-out fundraising events. Her experience and wit has also allowed her to become a sought-after speaker on philanthropy and fund development as well as a regular contributor to ForbesWomen, Global Giving, and Network for Good. Alyssa is a powerful Millennial voice in the social change movement.

Fun Fact: Alyssa has had to handle a lot of stressful and harmful situations as a fundraiser over the last decade including a funder revoking a seven-figure gift at the last minute, sexual harassment while stewarding a male donor over the years, and having to fire and rebuild an entire board of directors in a few weeks. No situation seems unknown to her as a fundraiser.

Email: allysa@wrightcollective.co
Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn
Blog: Elevate Your Fundraising Strategy: Practical Tips for Election Year Challenges
Blog: Navigating social media marketing in an election year

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Financial sustainability is crucial, but social impact is the heart of nonprofits. With the social enterprise model, how can we ensure that our organization prioritizes its social mission while maintaining a viable business?

My guests today are Quilen and Hannah Blackwell, the co-founders of Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation. This creates jobs for young people on the south and west sides of Chicago.

Hannah and Quilen were married in 2015, and immediately set up the Chicago Eco House, a rehabbed two flat greystone property in the heart of Englewood and got to work getting to know the community. Soon they were farming several vacant lots close to their house, constantly researching what would fulfill their mission of using sustainability to alleviate poverty. It became clear that flowers would be the avenue to do this and Southside Blooms was born.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Southside Blooms empowers at-risk youth through urban flower farming.
• The benefits of the social enterprise model for long-term financial sustainability in nonprofits.
• Balancing earned income with maintaining a charitable mission.
• Real-life examples of how Southside Blooms has transformed lives.

This episode is sponsored by RSVPify. At RSVPify, you can host ticketed events for free - no subscription required. Host any free event with a monthly or annual subscription. Use the code NONPROFITNATION50 at checkout for an 50% off any annual subscription (discount applied for first year only) - or 50% off any monthly subscription for three months (billed at full rate subsequently).

Guest Bios: Quilen and Hannah Blackwell are the co-founders of Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation. This creates jobs for young people on the south and west sides of Chicago.

Check out Southside Blooms

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Nearly half of fundraisers say they did not meet pipeline goals in the last fiscal year. ‘Staff turnover,’ ‘manual processes,’ and ‘donor discovery and pipeline management’ were cited by respondents as key challenges faced in 2023, according to a new report by Gravyty, a leader in engagement and fundraising technology.

The report breaks down findings from Gravyty’s Donor Engagement and Pipeline Survey, which solicited feedback from leaders representing 160+ fundraising departments, including higher education, K12 and nonprofit organizations.

In this episode, Josh Robertson, Global VP of Product at Gravyty, breaks down the findings of this report, as well as recommendations and takeaways for nonprofits of all sizes.

This episode is sponsored by RSVPify. At RSVPify, you can host ticketed events for free - no subscription required. Host any free event with a monthly or annual subscription. Use the code NONPROFITNATION50 at checkout for an 50% off any annual subscription (discount applied for first year only) - or 50% off any monthly subscription for three months (billed at full rate subsequently).

About Josh Robertson

Josh Robertson is the Global VP of Product at Gravyty. With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, Josh has a proven track record of developing data-driven strategies based on cross-channel analysis of client performance and building successful product roadmaps. He is enthusiastic about helping fundraisers realize the opportunities which exist when you recognize and act on strategic changes that lead to big results.

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn
Email: josh.robertson@gravyty.com

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In this episode of Nonprofit Nation, Julia Campbell sits down with Candie Fredritz, the Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement at Kent School, a prestigious 9-12 boarding school in Kent, Connecticut. Candie shares her journey from a young worker in the school's stables to her current role, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering strong connections between the school's past and present.

We discuss:

• How Kent School leveraged Zoom and other digital platforms to stay connected with alumni and parents during the pandemic.
• Overcoming significant challenges such as finding a new registration platform under tight deadlines and re-engaging alumni from different decades.
• Candie’s goals for the future of alumni and parent engagement at Kent School.
• Tips for other schools and organizations on engaging alumni and parents, and using technology effectively.

This episode is sponsored by RSVPify. At RSVPify, you can host ticketed events for free - no subscription required. Host any free event with a monthly or annual subscription. Use the code NONPROFITNATION50 at checkout for an 50% off any annual subscription (discount applied for first year only) - or 50% off any monthly subscription for three months (billed at full rate subsequently).

About Candie Fredritz

Candie Fredritz serves as the Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement at Kent School, a 9-12 boarding school nestled in the picturesque landscape of Kent, Connecticut. With a keen understanding of the evolving needs of both alumni and parents, Candie is dedicated to bridging the gap between the school's rich history and its vibrant present by connecting alumni and current students in meaningful ways.

Drawing upon her experience in community outreach and relationship building, Candie's primary mission is to ensure that today's Kent resonates deeply with alumni and parents, both past and present, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among its diverse stakeholders. She is committed to meeting them where they are, whether it's through innovative digital platforms, engaging events, or personalized interactions. Candie continues to strengthen the bonds that unite Kent's past, present, and future.

In her free time, Candie enjoys time with her two sons and three dogs. She is also involved with her local community and currently serves as Vice-President of Hope Rising Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, LLC in Amenia, NY.

Connect with Candie on LinkedIn

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You may enjoy the work you do, but you wish more than anything you had more time to simply sit, think, and hear your own thoughts.

The truth is - if you really want to make a difference, you must start by taking time for yourself right now because you can’t “change the world” if you’re not around long enough to make that happen.

My guest on this episode can relate.

Meico Whitlock was on the verge of complete burnout, until he had “a breakdown that led to a breakthrough.” He’s now a recovering workaholic and a certified mindfulness teacher. Meico founded his company, Mindful Techie™ to help overworked professionals take an intentional, mindful, and trauma-informed approach to enhancing wellbeing and productivity by improving relationships with work, life, and technology. Meico is a former triathlete, loves salsa dancing, and makes the world’s best vegan chili!

Today we discuss the themes in his new book How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing The World (foreword by Beth Kanter)

This episode is sponsored by RSVPify. At RSVPify, you can host ticketed events for free - no subscription required. Host any free event with a monthly or annual subscription. Use the code NONPROFITNATION50 at checkout for an 50% off any annual subscription (discount applied for first year only) - or 50% off any monthly subscription for three months (billed at full rate subsequently).

About Meico Whitlock

Meico is The Mindful Changemaker and The Mindful Techie. He works with changemakers who want to improve their well-being so they can sustainably increase their well-doing in changing the world.

He is the author of the Amazon bestseller How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing the World and The Intention Planner.

Meico is a former triathlete, loves salsa dancing, and makes the world’s best vegan chili!

He has worked for more than two decades across the non-profit, public, and private sectors leveraging information and communications technology to improve well-being in underserved communities as a software and web developer, communications director, trainer and facilitator, and mindfulness teacher.

As a transformational speaker, trainer, and coach, he facilitates transformative experiences that foster well-being in a hybrid world. He has worked with organizations such as the U.S. Federal Government, Cigna, and the World Wildlife Fund, and has been a featured speaker on ABC News, Fox 5, and Radio One.

He holds an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Morehouse College. He is also a certified trauma-informed mindfulness teacher.

Connect with Meico on LinkedIn
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