Happy Birthday, Marines

There’s something about the Marine Corps – some ineffable quality that sets it apart from the other branches. And yes, I know I’m biased. But on the eve of our 246th birthday celebration, I’ll beg your pardon for the extra swagger in our step. Right now, Marines around the globe are celebrating their heritage. ThoseContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Marines”

Beware the Victory Lap

It’s fine to celebrate a win, but in the coming days, you’ll own the problems you ran to correct.

Your Words Have Meaning

We’re getting it wrong from the very beginning. We’ve eroded the definition of advocacy. Until we recognize that fact, we can’t begin to improve. What do I mean? I was listening to a presentation on advocacy for a non-profit organization last week. In the hopes of illuminating the field to aspiring volunteers, the well-intentioned trainerContinue reading “Your Words Have Meaning”

Amplifying Appreciation in Advocacy

Abe Jacob is a Government Relations professional in Columbus, Ohio. Connect with him on LinkedIn It’s hard to imagine that a simple lesson so many of us were taught as children has often wound up on the back-burner in our everyday lives. Of course, conveying words of appreciation after someone holds the door for youContinue reading “Amplifying Appreciation in Advocacy”

When Pressure Becomes Your Poison Pill

There is no “right” way to follow someone into a public restroom and record the event. Ever. Sometimes it amazes me how far people will go to wreck their own causes. And if you don’t know what I’m writing about today, here’s a quick summary. This past Sunday, US Senator Kyrsten Sinema was back inContinue reading “When Pressure Becomes Your Poison Pill”

The One Where They Pivot

There are just some days when you feel like Chandler Bing trying to squeeze a sofa up a stairwell. No matter what you do, nothing is working the way it should. You’re trying to “PIVOT!” but circumstances keep getting in the way. Without stretching the metaphor, I’ll just go ahead and admit that yesterday morningContinue reading “The One Where They Pivot”

People First

Today I’m thrilled to welcome a close friend who’s sharing his first post on Part of the Possible. Tyler Fehrman is a proud girl dad, passionate advocate, and believer in people. He considers helping individuals – learning their stories, building relationships, and finding common ground – his sole purpose in life. His background is inContinue reading “People First”

3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now

There seems to be a whole lot of activity happening in the normally quiet, restful period known as August “recess”. I use quiet and restful loosely here, because it’s just a matter of perspective. From the view point of district staff for members of congress it’s a time to dread the frenetic activity that ensuesContinue reading “3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now”

If Not Us, Who?

I know I tend to take a more positive tone in most of my posts, but we are now two weeks into the devastating failure of the Afghanistan evacuation and I’m struggling to find the light. Despite the administration’s efforts to reassure the international community by way of the tens of thousands evacuated so far,Continue reading “If Not Us, Who?”

A Worthy Read for the Moment

A fair amount of time has passed since I added a new recommendation to the Bookshelf. Today, I right that wrong. I was first introduced to the writing style of Thomas E. Ricks in his study of US Military leadership titled The Generals. Less a history and more of an organizational biography, The Generals tracksContinue reading “A Worthy Read for the Moment”