There are a lot of great stories about former Speaker of the House, John Boehner. And as a fellow Ohioan, I’m contractually obligated to share great stories about Ohioans. With recent events in the Buckeye state, I felt there was no better time than the present to share. A number of years ago, I wasContinue reading “With All Due Respect, That’s Chicken Sh*t”
Tag Archives: Bridge Builders
Not Ashamed: Why I’m Proud to be a Lobbyist
It never fails. When I’m out and about with other lobbyists, I see it happen – just as soon as the very first stranger asks “so, what do you do?” In that moment, almost everybody dodges the question. Unlike so many other industries, we seem to feel compelled to hide our work. We use funContinue reading “Not Ashamed: Why I’m Proud to be a Lobbyist”
Worried about food shortages? Watch these factors…
But we have to dispel the notion that there’s any one lever we can pull to fix the problem. There is immense complexity in every other industry as well. And that complexity is demanding our attention. We can’t sit idly by, we have to give a damn.
Recognizing When You’ve Reached Your Political Saturation Point
In 2018 and 2019, I reached my saturation point with party politics. I realized I needed to explore my other identities, beyond those defined by the people for whom I worked. It was a pivotal moment in my own career – and one that led to the same response others have when they hit their saturation points: I had to get some space.
Standing Out in the Crowd
Yesterday, I posted this video across my social channels. That’s right. As much as we disapprove of how Congress is doing their job, there’s another- equally important – disconnect to consider as well. Typical advocates are not government affairs professionals – and they shouldn’t be. In every meeting with a decision maker, the interests ofContinue reading “Standing Out in the Crowd”
2 minutes, and 37 seconds on Why I’m Optimistic About Politics
Simply being disappointed isn’t enough. If you’re really serious about making things better, there is no substitute for action, and action means showing up.
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”
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?
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…
Part of the Possible 