Taking Action Introvert Style Against Dangerous Orders, Actions, and Policies

I love the viral protest sign: “So Bad The Introverts Are Here.”  It’s me on a molecular level.  When executive orders, legislative decisions, or policy changes threaten to harm people and communities that nonprofit agencies serve, we must take action, but responding doesn’t always mean headline-grabbing demonstrations or public campaigns.

Small Consistent Actions = Big Results Over Time

Effective advocacy doesn’t require a megaphone. Here are some ways to advocate “behind the scenes,” because doing nothing, or hiding behind the introvert label, means you’re complicit.

Starting Where You Are

Not every nonprofit has dedicated advocacy staff or significant political capital. But every organization can take meaningful steps:

• If you have research capacity: Document policy impacts systematically
• If you have community connections: Create spaces for affected voices to be heard
• If you have communication channels: Share accurate, accessible information
• If you have relationships with officials: Use them to convey community concerns
• If you have none of these yet: Start building one intentionally

1. Document and Share Research

Research is a cornerstone of effective advocacy. By systematically collecting evidence about how policies affect your communities, you create powerful tools for change:

• Track program outcomes that demonstrate policy impacts
• Collect testimonials and stories (with appropriate permissions)
• Analyze publicly available data through an equity lens
• Share findings through brief reports, infographics, or factsheets

2. Educate and Advocate

Connecting with elected officials and policymakers creates channels for sharing information and influencing decisions. Educating is advocacy, not lobbying. Here are some time-tested steps to take with elected officials and other policymakers.

• Schedule informational meetings with local representatives
• Invite officials to visit your programs and meet community members
• Provide briefing materials that highlight community needs and solutions

3. Develop and Share Talking Points

• Create simple, accessible language explaining complex policy implications
• Include both data points and illustrative examples
• Provide citations for key facts and findings
• Format materials for easy sharing across platforms
• Update regularly as situations evolve

Everyone from board members to volunteers to co-workers and friends could use these talking points in meetings, calls, letters to the editor, and other meaningful actions.

4. Participate in Collective Action

We are definitely stronger together. Even small organizations gain strength through collective action:

• Join existing coalitions or membership associations, such as the National Council of Nonprofits, that are addressing relevant policy areas, or donate to them if you’re able
• Share resources, research, and expertise with partner organizations
• Participate in coordinated communications campaigns
• Contribute to joint position statements or policy briefs

5. Add Content to Existing Communication

You don’t need a massive public platform to share important information:

• Include policy updates in existing newsletters
• Create dedicated sections on your website for advocacy resources
• Use regular staff meetings to discuss policy impacts
• Incorporate relevant policy information into program activities
• Share updates during community events or client interactions

Finding Courage in Consistent Action

Responding to harmful governmental actions requires the courage to document uncomfortable realities, prioritize long-term systems change alongside immediate needs, and take consistent daily action without expecting immediate success.

Introverts unite (quietly) and let’s do bold things together!

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Kimberly Hays de Muga

Kimberly Hays de Muga, GPC, is an expert trainer and coach in nonprofit capacity building, grant writing, fundraising, and board development. She brings more than 25 years of fundraising experience that includes raising $100 million from individuals, foundations, corporations, and local, state, and federal funding for nonprofit agencies in the education, health, and human service sectors—from food banks to pediatric hospitals, to state-wide mental health coalitions.

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