Welcome to The Advocate Next Door with Sophia Fifner
Your Go-to Source for Women Who Give a Damn
** Updated November 2024**
Hi friends,
I’m Sophia Fifner, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: Coffee & Lemonade is now The Advocate Next Door!
When I launched this newsletter, I had no idea it would grow into the incredible community it is today. By Thanksgiving, we’ve surpassed 500 subscribers—and I couldn’t be more grateful for each of you. Your engagement, stories, and actions inspire me every day.
Why the Name Change?
When I first created Coffee & Lemonade, the name reflected balance—bold and refreshing, much like civic engagement should feel. But as this newsletter evolved, I realized it’s about more than balance. It’s about connection, empowerment, and action.
The Advocate Next Door better captures who we are and what this community is becoming. It reflects the heart of our work: ordinary people showing up, speaking out, and creating meaningful change in ways that feel approachable and joyful.
Civics Is Cool (Seriously)
Over the past 15 years, I’ve seen how terms like “civic engagement” can feel overwhelming and abstract. But here’s the thing: civics is simply about showing up for yourself, your family, and your community. It’s about small, consistent actions that ripple outward to create lasting impact.
So, let me say it loud and clear:
Legislation is fun.
Giving back is fantastic.
Being a decent human being? AMAZING.
And mean people? They suck.
Friends, it’s time to reclaim civics from the loudmouths and doom scrolls. Let’s rewrite the story together—one small, meaningful action at a time.
This Space Is for YOU
Here’s the truth: civics only works when everyone is involved. Yes, you—the woman shopping at Target, the mom saving Old Navy Super Cash for back-to-school, the person crying over another school shooting, and the advocate fighting for access to care.
Civics depends on all of us showing up as we are and grasping our full potential for lifelong impact.
What’s Next?
As The Advocate Next Door, this newsletter will continue to deliver:
Inspiring Stories about real women driving change.
Do-able Actions you can take, no matter how busy you are.
Practical Tools to empower your advocacy journey.
Together, we’ll explore civic wellness—a balanced state of well-being achieved through self-care, community engagement, and collective action. It’s about thriving as individuals and creating connected, vibrant communities.
As Alice Walker said:
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any."
This is your reminder: you have power. And when you use it with intention and joy, the world becomes a better place.
Let’s Keep Building Together
Thank you for being part of this growing community. Whether you’re here for the first time or have been with me since day one, know that your voice matters. Together, we’re proving that small actions can create big change—and that advocacy can be as warm, connected, and empowering as the communities we’re building.
Here’s to the next step in our journey, one thoughtful action at a time.
Cheering for you always,
Sophia
P.S. ☕ Let’s Chat! What’s been on your mind? Whether it’s a civic win, a community issue, or a kind gesture you’ve seen, hit reply and share. Your stories inspire this space and remind us why advocacy matters.