Nonprofit Advocacy & Psychological Safety In Crisis with John Van Cleef
Release Date: 11/18/2025
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info_outlineNonprofit advocacy takes center stage as May Harris welcomes John Van Cleef, CEO of Community Resource Center. In this episode, John shares how community-based organizations can amplify voices for vulnerable populations during unprecedented federal funding challenges. He introduces the concept of polycrisis and emphasizes creating psychological safety in nonprofits to support staff navigating trauma alongside clients. Learn how nonprofit leaders can advocate for federal funding through coalition building, policy engagement, and strategic communication. John's insights on revenue diversification, determined perseverance, and leading with compassion offer a roadmap for nonprofit leadership in uncertain times.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to build psychological safety in nonprofits during polycrisis by creating trauma-informed environments that support staff while they serve clients experiencing food insecurity, housing security challenges, and other critical needs.
Effective nonprofit advocacy strategies, including writing to elected officials, joining nonprofit coalition-building efforts, and partnering with national alliances to protect vulnerable populations during federal funding challenges.
The importance of revenue diversification for nonprofit sustainability, including balancing government funding, private donations, and social enterprise models to weather economic uncertainty.
Leadership approaches for addressing elder food insecurity and emerging needs in middle-income populations through trauma-informed care and dignity-centered service delivery.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 John Van Cleef's journey from military service to nonprofit leadership through the Salvation Army and into community-based organizations focused on dignity
03:58 CRC's mission serving 7,600+ individuals facing food insecurity, housing security challenges, and domestic violence services in coastal North County San Diego
10:29 Strategies for crisis management, including determined perseverance, understanding data, and creating psychological safety in nonprofits during polycrisis
16:15 Navigating federal funding challenges through SNAP, CalFresh, and the continuum of Care Funding while monitoring appropriations budget impacts on services
21:20 Nonprofit advocacy tactics: joining national coalitions, informing elected officials with policy advocacy, and using voice to protect vulnerable populations
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Nonprofit leadership requires creating psychological safety in nonprofits by acknowledging polycrisis, caring for teams experiencing secondary trauma, and providing self-care opportunities like sound baths during work hours to support staff wellbeing.
Effective nonprofit advocacy means writing in, speaking up, and leading. Nonprofit executives have a sacred trust to amplify voices for people who feel voiceless, and this advocacy is working at the federal, state, and local levels.
Revenue diversification is essential for nonprofit sustainability: CRC maintains a balanced portfolio with 55% government funding (28% federal), 30% private funding, and 15% from resale stores to weather funding uncertainties.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
John Van Cleef envisions a world where everyone has what they need to thrive. With over 20 years in human services leadership at The Salvation Army, YMCA, Palomar Health, and Community Resource Center, he connects community compassion to community needs. John serves on the Alliance for Regional Solutions and is a Board Member and Partner for Amplified Impact Partners. A US Army Veteran who served in Panama (1989 to 1992), he's a father of four and grandfather of two. In his spare time, you'll find him hiking, jogging, or cycling around San Diego County, working on his golf swing—but definitely NOT posting on social media.
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