Advocacy expert Bethany Snyder joins Rusty Stahl to reveal how nonprofit leaders can reclaim their power, speak out boldly, and protect the sector from political attacks.

In this powerful episode of Fund the People, host Rusty Stahl sits down with advocacy strategist Bethany Snyder, founder of Snyder Strategies, to explore how nonprofits can — and must — use their voices boldly in today’s political climate. Snyder argues that the nonprofit sector is “on the menu” under the Trump administration’s attacks on civil society, and the only way off is to reclaim a seat at the policymaking table. With a mix of urgency and humor, she calls on nonprofit leaders to act from a place of strength, not fear, reminding them that their power is exactly why they’re being targeted.

Drawing on her career spanning grassroots campaigns, public policy, and a stint as a staffer for Senator Al Franken, Snyder shares practical guidance for organizations to build strategic advocacy programs — not “random acts of advocacy.” She breaks down her Advocacy Roadmap process, showing how nonprofits can engage their members, train effective advocates, and communicate clearly with lawmakers. Whether at the local, state, or federal level, her message is clear: advocacy isn’t optional — it’s essential to protecting your mission, your community, and the nonprofit sector itself.

Guest Bio:

Bethany Snyder, MPP, is the powerhouse behind Snyder Strategies, LLC, where she helps nonprofit and membership organizations build bold and effective advocacy programs that drive real change. 

With nearly 25 years of experience spanning communications, advocacy, and public affairs, Bethany has worn many hats—grassroots advocacy director, lobbyist, consultant, communications director, and even a U.S. Senate staffer—bringing a wealth of expertise to every project she touches.

She is also the recent former Director of the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, during which she Bethany championed the work of Iowa’s 23,000 nonprofit organizations and the professionals who power them, ensuring their voices were heard and amplified.

A proud Hawkeye with a BA from the University of Iowa and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota, Bethany’s dedication to community runs deep. She leads Central Iowa Rainbow Families, chairs One Iowa Action and the Urbandale Civil Rights Commission, and serves on the board of Family Equality, all while advocating for a more equitable future.

Links to Resources:

Bethany Snyder – Snyder Strategies

https://www.snyderstrategies.me/Bethany helps nonprofits and social justice organizations find their advocacy voice and build lasting policy impact.

Snyder Strategies Quiz - What’s Your Advocacy Edge? https://snyder-strategies.involve.me/nonprofit-advocacy-quiz

Advocacy With Sass (Bethany’s blog)

https://www.snyderstrategies.me/advocacy-with-sassA three-minute questionnaire to help you understand where you are on your advocacy journey—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Senator Al Franken (D-MN) Bethany previously served as a staffer for Senator Franken during his first term in office.

CDC Smokefree Programs - Background on the national movement to promote smokefree air policies — the kind Bethany helped advance early in her career.

Foundations on the Hill - A national gathering where foundation and philanthropic leaders meet with federal lawmakers to advocate for charitable giving and organized philanthropy.

Bolder Advocacy (Alliance for Justice) - A top resource for nonprofit and foundation advocacy training, tools, and legal guidance.

The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen (One of the most under-rated yet joyfully wacky and amazing films of all time, according to Rusty)