Beyond the Ask: How Nonprofits Build Real Influence With Lawmakers - RECORDING

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Recorded on 01.20.26
Description:

For nonprofits, policy change rarely happens through a single meeting or email. It’s built over time through trust, credibility, and meaningful relationships with lawmakers and their staff. Yet many nonprofit organizations struggle to break through political gridlock, feel unsure how to engage decision-makers effectively, or rely on one-time “asks” that fail to create real influence. Without a consistent, relationship-based approach, even the most compelling issues can be overlooked.

During this webinar, Bethany Snyder will guide you through practical, proven strategies for turning initial contact with policymakers into long-term, impactful connections. Drawing on her experience across nonprofit and advocacy roles, Bethany will show you how organizations of any size can build power by engaging decision-makers consistently, authentically, and effectively, without needing extensive lobbying resources.

You’ll learn how to:
  • move beyond one-time advocacy asks and build relationship-based influence;
  • engage lawmakers and their staff by understanding their priorities and perspectives;
  • prepare for and lead effective meetings using stories, data, and local impact;
  • build trust and influence over time through thoughtful follow-up and consistency

You’ll leave ready to strategically engage decision-makers and strengthen their nonprofit’s impact on the policy process.

Who should attend:

This webinar is ideal for executive directors, board chairs, and nonprofit staff who want to strengthen their organization’s policy impact at the local, state, or national level.

After the webinar, you’ll receive:
  • slides and handouts; and,
  • a link to the webinar recording.
90 Minutes

Bethany Snyder

Bethany Snyder, MPP, is the powerhouse behind Snyder Strategies, LLC, where she helps nonprofits 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 U.S. Senate staffer—bringing a wealth of expertise to every project she touches.


As the current Director of the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, Bethany champions the work of Iowa’s 23,000 nonprofit organizations and the professionals who power them, ensuring their voices are 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.

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