There’s no denying many of us are happy to be returning to a sense of normalcy in our daily lives. The same goes for lawmakers and elected officials across the country. Many public servants are eager to be back among those they represent free from mask mandates and crowd restrictions. But there’s another factor at play that will impact the advocacy realm for years to come.
If you’re a volunteer advocate, don’t ditch your zoom background just yet.
During the early months of the pandemic, members of Congress invested significant office resources – scarce budget resources – into technology that would allow them to continue engaging with constituents. They changed their way of doing business. They created flexible work environments for their staffs. They created routines for digital meetings. They got comfortable with a new type of work.
In some ways, this was incredibly beneficial. Many advocacy organizations may tell you they actually had more meaningful touch points with their targeted policymakers. Members and their staffs were stacking meetings on top of each other – like so many of us – and the reduced travel provided greater opportunity for that type of scheduling.
Despite the zoom fatigue that set in quickly, I’ll wager we won’t see the end of those types of meetings. Once new ways of doing business are adopted, it’s a long path to reverse those changes. They’ll outlast mask mandates because they added immense value. Elected officials got comfortable with the flexibility that switch provided, as well as the expanded use of social media that could flow as a natural extension from those digital setups.
But it wasn’t just the elected officials who benefited. In speaking with another organization recently, the new way of doing business helped many participate who couldn’t before.
It’s no secret the Capitol complex in DC – and many state capitals – leaves a bit to be desired for accessibility. Those with disabilities can find themselves facing long lines and a less than forgiving infrastructure. Getting around could keep those with mobility issues disconnected from the legislative staff of those they need to reach.
The advent of digital advocacy has turned that challenge on its head. Now, those same advocates are gaining greater exposure for their causes because they can have the critical face to face interaction that helps storytelling.
Because of the resource investment and the value added, advocacy organizations would be well served to keep their skills sharp when it comes to virtual meetings. While many will, understandably, scramble to get back into the swing of in-person advocacy events, they need to keep that resource investment in mind. Moving forward, successful advocacy will center on right-sizing your approach.
In my own work, I’m recommending balance. For some offices, in-person advocacy will be a must moving forward. But in many more, the flexibility of digital platforms will be additive to our efforts. And as always, emphasizing opportunities to meet in a decision maker’s home district shouldn’t be overlooked.
In the new normal, advocates actually have greater access if they do it right. They’ll have more opportunities for storytelling, testifying and key staff engagement. You’ll feel pressured to return to a comfort zone of the past. Those who will succeed won’t settle for that bygone era.
Part of the Possible 