Hi friends,

I’m Sophia Fifner, and I’m so glad you’re here.

For nearly 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to civic engagement—advocating for change, building connections, and empowering communities. Along the way, I’ve learned one powerful truth: small, consistent actions can create meaningful, lasting impact.

But let’s be honest: life is busy, the news feels overwhelming, and figuring out how to get involved isn’t always easy.

That’s why I created The Advocate Next Door—to make advocacy approachable, joyful, and a natural part of your daily life.


Why This Newsletter and Why Now?

The Advocate Next Door is a space for community-oriented women who care deeply about making a difference but don’t always know where to start. It’s for anyone who wants to feel empowered, connected, and inspired to take meaningful action without sacrificing self-care.

Civic wellness is at the heart of this newsletter. It’s about balancing self-care with community care, showing up for yourself and others in sustainable ways, and rediscovering the joy in making a difference.

Now more than ever, we need empowered communities. Whether it’s a school board decision, local activism, or national policy, the choices we make ripple outward. This newsletter is here to help you turn your passion into action—one small, do-able step at a time.


What You’ll Get

Whether you’re new to advocacy or deepening your engagement, this newsletter delivers practical tools, inspiration, and guidance.

Free Subscribers Get:

  • Weekly newsletters with actionable tips, inspiring stories, and resources to create impact without burnout.

  • Insights into how small actions lead to big change in your community and beyond.

  • Stories and tools to help you build meaningful connections and feel confident as an advocate.

Paid Subscribers Get:

  • All free content, plus in-depth guides and exclusive resources to deepen your advocacy knowledge.

  • Early access to workshops and events designed to help you take the next step.

  • My gratitude for directly supporting this mission and our community. (yay!)


About Me

I’m a mother, advocate, and believer in the power of community. I’ve worked on Capitol Hill, raised millions for nonprofits, and built playgrounds and partnerships that bring people together. But my greatest teachers are motherhood and the women around me who show up every day with resilience, compassion, and drive.

This newsletter is my way of sharing what I’ve learned—and am still learning—about civic engagement, self-care, and creating positive change. Together, we can build stronger communities and a brighter future.


Let’s Connect

Have a question, idea, or story to share? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you! Your insights inspire this community and help shape future newsletters.

Cheering for you,
Sophia


Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

The Advocate Next Door is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe to The Advocate Next Door

The Advocate Next Door is a newsletter for women who give a damn. Join me, Sophia Fifner, as I share practical advice and inspiration to help you embrace civic wellness, build meaningful connections, and create a positive impact in your community.

People

Sophia Fifner, President and CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Club, is a leader in civic engagement with nearly 20 years of experience, helping mission-seeking professionals achieve impactful community engagement.