Do you find yourself feeling a bit nervous when you think about sharing your thoughts with others? I’d bet that same nervousness strikes if you even think about sharing your views on politics – especially with an elected official.
Let’s start with the good news.
You’re Not Alone
Choosing to participate in our system of government is, well, intimidating. That intimidation starts before you even get in the door. The architecture of our capitols alone causes us to take pause. The buildings, let alone the people working in them, can be overwhelming. And in that suffocating setting, average joes and janes find themselves preparing to spar over the issues of the day.
For many, it would surely cause the yips just thinking about it. We fret over the smallest details, determined to be perfect in our delivery, flawless in our messaging. But what if I told you there was an easier way to take the edge off those nerves? That’s the better news.
Be of Service
If we admit to ourselves that talking politics is daunting, we can start to find ways to get past that hang up. The trick to overcome that feeling? Plan to position yourself to be of service to your target. Help them meet a need.
Politicians – despite what we say about them – are people too. They, and their staffers, have goals and priorities just like we do. And they are always in need of people willing to participate in the process to refine those goals and work toward accomplishing them. Where those goals align with your priorities and your mission find a way to help.
It doesn’t require what you may be thinking. You don’t have to host an event, testify before a committee, or contribute financially. There are simpler ways.
Can you connect that official with people in your network who are championing similar work?
Are you willing to provide your story to a staffer to help them capture the narrative surrounding that goal?
Can the decision maker come visit your business to hear from others facing the same challenge?
You’d be surprised how few of these opportunities are presented by advocates. For some reason, many of us assume that a politician doesn’t need our help. But that’s simply a false assumption.
The job for an elected official is almost always bigger than we think. There’s the day-to-day tasks, sure. But it’s the other things – the campaigning, the fundraising, the community events, the conferences – that make the job so much more.
When you consider the size of their constituencies, and the budgets that limit their staff, it’s an impossible puzzle for them to solve. They simply can’t think of every group, and every outlet they can pursue to advance their agenda. A little help goes a long way toward building trust.
To stand out as an advocate, help them bridge that gap.
The side benefit for you is pretty incredible too. People think politics is a shameless self promotion game. But volunteer advocates often struggle to keep asking for more. It adds undue, nerve wracking pressure to always present a problem. And that pressure causes fatigue, and eventually burnout.
As you plan your advocacy meetings, spend some time thinking about an offer you can make for that decision maker or their team. If it’s a new relationship you’re building, you may not have enough information to do so – but what a great conversation starter! I think you’ll find yourself feeling more empowered than before – and a bit less intimidated.
Bottom line: if you don’t want to be nervous, find a way to be of service.
Part of the Possible 