The seeds of history making statesmanship are planted in late January. At least that’s my latest theory. On January 25th, 2021 US Senator Rob Portman announced he would retire at the end of his current term. While the political class jumped straight to discussions of potential successors, they missed Portman’s transition from Senator to Statesman.Continue reading “The Indispensable Senator from Ohio”
Tag Archives: Bridge Builders
“I Want You to be Wildly Successful”
Has anyone ever told you that? That statement has been running through my mind the last few days. I heard those words from an organizational leader once as I was entering a new role. Predictably that well chosen phrase fortified me. How freeing to be told, from the opening bell, to pursue change, growth andContinue reading ““I Want You to be Wildly Successful””
Yes, You Can Be Too Scripted
“I just don’t know what to say. Can you write it out for me?” No. That should be the unequivocal, unwavering answer from any grassroots manager. No, we should never – under any circumstances – write out a script for our volunteers. Why? Advocacy isn’t a performance art. In its purest form, advocacy is simplyContinue reading “Yes, You Can Be Too Scripted”
Climate Policy and American Exceptionalism: ‘Lead by Example’ is the Wrong Argument
Americans are competitors. It’s in our national DNA. That’s why I’m convinced President Biden’s administration is faltering when they argue ‘leading by example’ in the discussion of climate solutions. For better or worse, our national conscience is often driven by a finite, winner-take-all mindset driven by the way we talk about the issues and challengesContinue reading “Climate Policy and American Exceptionalism: ‘Lead by Example’ is the Wrong Argument”
No Need for 10,000 Hours
Your participation in advocacy is valuable precisely because you are an expert at something else.
Be Careful Who You Dismiss
If I’m being honest, I had no idea what to write about today. Maybe like you, my brain is still settled into an idling mode from the holiday weekend. So here I am, late on Monday night scrolling the internet for inspiration. Lo and behold, 5 minutes into my search I land on a storyContinue reading “Be Careful Who You Dismiss”
You Matter More than You Think
There is a massive hurdle standing between you and successful advocacy: self doubt. Whether we wish to admit it or not, most of us are carrying a bit of a complex around with us. Somewhere, tucked back in our brains is an invasive thought: what I have to say won’t really matter. I’ve thought aboutContinue reading “You Matter More than You Think”
Overcoming Barriers to Advocacy
“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”
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”
Storytelling 104: Join the Quest
If you go back to the very first post introducing this storytelling series (Opposing Isn’t Good Enough), you’ll recall the inspiration behind it – the book Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller. In that piece, Miller lays out a basic seven step process for storytelling geared toward maximizing the impact of our stories onContinue reading “Storytelling 104: Join the Quest”
Part of the Possible 