“I just don’t know enough about it.” “What I have to say won’t really matter.” “I just don’t have the time right now.” “I’ve never done it. I don’t know what to say.” Sound familiar? These are some of the most common responses when folks are asked to participate in advocacy campaigns. Successful advocacy organizationsContinue reading “Overcoming Barriers to Advocacy”
Category Archives: Politics
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
The dirtiest part about money in politics is when someone tries to shame you out of contributing. Unfortunately for them, there is nothing shameful about legally fighting for your issues. Newsflash: Elections are expensive. The candidates you support, regardless of the level of government, put an incredible amount of work into raising funds to supportContinue reading “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”
Choose to Be Kind
Out of absolutely nowhere, she messaged me on Facebook with a personal note…
Storytelling 103: Bring a Solution
Our stories empower our ability to develop lasting relationships with elected officials. Don’t waste the opportunity.
Storytelling 102: Call on Your Hero
Data suggests that, after a presentation, 63% of attendees will remember a story you tell. Only 5% will remember your statistics. Let that sink in for a moment. Only 1 in 20 will remember the data you present in a meeting. (Trust me, I fully recognize the audacity of starting a post about avoiding statisticsContinue reading “Storytelling 102: Call on Your Hero”
Write Your Script, But Bring Your Eraser
Since we’re in the process of talking about storytelling, I thought you’d appreciate this personal piece from Abe Jacob – joining us again to share a little about his career path. – LC Is our first thought always our best thought? Being a small-town boy turned Columbus suburbanite, I have often reflected on the evolutionContinue reading “Write Your Script, But Bring Your Eraser”
Storytelling for Advocates 101
I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating: your volunteer advocates are the most valuable, and the most underutilized resource for your organization. There’s data to back this up. The Congressional Management Foundation has looked into the concept for years. Their conclusions are pretty startling. While an overwhelming majority of senior staff and legislatorsContinue reading “Storytelling for Advocates 101”
Opposing Isn’t Good Enough
I’m watching an absolutely painful interview clip right now. I’m not going to offer context out of respect for the victim, er, interviewee. But suffice it to say that a public persona is being re-defined in front of my eyes. In watching this particularly brutal exchange, I’m reminded of a lesson from former Speaker ofContinue reading “Opposing Isn’t Good Enough”
5 Keys to a Successful Summer Advocacy Event
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always struggled more in the creative process when I’m starting with a blank page. There’s something about a skeleton document that can at least kickstart your efforts – and that rings true for summer advocacy event planning. If you’re looking to move past that blank page, this postContinue reading “5 Keys to a Successful Summer Advocacy Event”
Beware the Poison Pill of “Unified” Government
Taxes are the talk of the town right now. In the wake of President Biden’s address to the nation, those in the world of politics have switched into high gear. Scrambling for details, countless groups are working the phones trying to get a better understanding of just what will be included in the administration’s loomingContinue reading “Beware the Poison Pill of “Unified” Government”
Part of the Possible 