How Can Social Impact Leaders Turn Their Passion for Social Change into Policy Impact?

Betsy Cooper

In this episode, host Rob Harter talks with Betsy Cooper of the Aspen Policy Academy / Aspen Institute about how nonprofit and social impact leaders can channel their passion for social change into tangible policy influence. They explore the balance between advocacy and legal constraints for nonprofits, the six‑step process for developing policy influence, and real examples of how ideas become implemented policy. They also dive into the skills, tools, and strategies needed to make lasting change, including how AI is beginning to intersect with civic engagement and government.

Betsy shares frameworks that help translate mission-driven ideas into practical policy proposals, stakeholder strategies, communication approaches, and implementation plans. The conversation is rich with concrete advice for practitioners who want to move beyond service to shape the rules that influence systems.

Key Topics Include:

• The six‑step policy impact process: defining, researching, solution design, stakeholder mapping, advocacy, execution
• Guardrails and legal constraints for nonprofit advocacy, and how to engage responsibly
• The role of tools like policy memos, briefs, redlined texts, and operational plans in influencing decision‑makers
• Core skills for change makers: strategy, communication, stakeholder mapping
• Integrating policy engagement into social innovation and how it often becomes the missing lever
• Examples of successful transitions from idea to policy (e.g. Aspen fellows influencing Utah’s data center water usage rules)
• Emerging intersections of AI with government, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Aspen Policy Academy
• Boulder Advocacy
• Rising Civic AI Leaders
• Aspen Tech Policy Hub

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox: https://www.donorbox.org

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!