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”
Tag Archives: Congress
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”
Social Media Advocacy: Even the Big Boys Get it Wrong
Your issue deserves more than a sharply worded tweet. If you’re serious about changing the world, you have to be willing to put more into the fight than that.
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?”
Part of the Possible 