In the last decade, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to experience and analyze my own ability to weather those storms. I’ve had my share of missteps and wins along the way. Here’s what I’ve learned…
Tag Archives: advocates
3 Tips on Communicating with Elected Officials
Sometimes the most basic questions remind me just how intimidating participating in advocacy can be. After a recent meeting with a congressman, one of my volunteers pulled me aside. He had one question: “how do I get the Congressman to visit my business?” The question made me pause in its simplicity. It reminded me thatContinue reading “3 Tips on Communicating with Elected Officials”
3 Things to Know After the Ohio Primary Election
On Tuesday evening, Ohio conducted its primary election for Federal and Statewide offices. If you missed the memo about the election, you weren’t alone. There were a great many folks confused about just what’s happening in our primary due to the ongoing battle over legislative districts maps. But that’s a post for another day. NowContinue reading “3 Things to Know After the Ohio Primary Election”
Beware the “Easy Wins”
The next 6 months of American politics are somewhat…well…predictable. It’s silly season after all. Midterm elections have already shaped the conversations in local communities across the country. State and federal legislators are back in their home districts, engaging in party primaries. With that comes the typical us versus them posturing as both run toward theirContinue reading “Beware the “Easy Wins””
Identify and Overcome Barriers to Advocacy
Ask yourself, if this issue is so damn important to me, why can’t I get myself to send an email to my representative?
Should You Call Your Congressman?
For almost 10 years I had a front row seat to watch just how much an elected official can do to help their constituents. I met with, and personally helped hundreds of veterans receive millions of dollars in disability benefits they were owed for disability claims previously denied. I walked countless constituents through headaches withContinue reading “Should You Call Your Congressman?”
An Important Reminder to Move On
…as you prepare to jump back in the ring for your cause I want you to think about the decision makers you’ve written off. Maybe it’s because they voted against you. Maybe it’s because the last meeting was contentious. Maybe it’s as simple as they’re registered in the other party.
Ask Me Anything
But for the average person, it’s all still quite often mysterious. The process of governance is full of confusion – spurred by equal parts confounding bureaucracy and infuriating partisanship – that causes so many to simply throw their hands in the air and ignore it all.
Social Media Advocacy: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How that Could Change
…effective advocacy is almost invariably better because of its timing, not its volume…
One Question to Help You Feel Less Scripted, More Natural in Any Meeting
We have to break the idea that a policy proposal has to be delivered flawlessly to be effective.
Part of the Possible 