If you are in the non-profit space and manage the brand voice for a fully funded organization, you are probably in a position to stay the course without shifting strategy – assuming your main concern is maintaining the status quo. For non-profits who rely on donations or who have Boards that require measurable progress, you may want to consider shifting tactics and strategies in the coming months and years.

A tactical shift away from the national spotlight can seem, in the short term, to plunge a nascent organization back into obscurity. Under the Obama administration,“good works” and progressive leadership were hailed and feted – so it made sense to go big and go large. Under the Trump administration all signs point to shifting power, and the legislative spotlight, back to the state level. Grassroots campaigns, I predict, will make a bold comeback under this administration. That is some heavy spadework for organizations who are not prepared to go local – but here are some small shifts that can help you prepare:

• If you haven’t already, identify like minded groups in the social space and listen to how they are adjusting to the new environment. Pay close attention to local organizations who may have overreached into the national conversation and who are now retooling to again focus on local, state or regional audiences. What conferences are they hosting or attending in 2017? What chats do they monitor or sponsor on Twitter?
• We have seen backlash against social justice efforts when they have been deemed to not be inclusive enough. Many passionate supporters of the #WomensMarch, unaware of the conversations taking place on social media, unknowingly stepped into a contentious fray and experienced sudden/swift criticism from activists lurking there. Change-up your usual listening posts and filter bubbles and listen to the other conversations going on in and around your space. Keep an eye on trending topics across different platforms.
• It is easy to erect silos in social media – especially when you are managing against a small budget with high expectations. Known audiences are easier to interact with, they support your messaging and provide a steady backbone to your KPIs. True growth takes place outside of those silos. Consider adding practices that help you or your team break out of the known environment. What social media sites do they use personally and are brands active in those spaces? Revisit older channels you may have neglected.

Conversely, organizations who have been excluded from the national conversation for the past eight years and who now may have a more willing audience should embolden their efforts to establish thought leadership. Messaging no longer has to deliver shock value to be noticed. It is time to embrace a confident and less defensive posture.