Let me start by acknowledging that my time in uniform never took me to Afghanistan. It simply wasn’t where the Marine Corps sent me. Nevertheless, I lost a few friends to that far away land. I’m writing tonight after a stunning few days when the world witnessed the implosion of twenty years worth of nationalContinue reading “At a loss…”
Tag Archives: decision makers
The Non-Profit Barriers to Advocacy
Non-profits have a corner on the passion market, but often miss their opportunities to harness those passions. Let’s start by acknowledging the simple fact that non-profits have it tough. Constantly scrapping, chasing grant dollars and donors to just scrape by. Despite the overwhelming generosity available in the world, there’s never enough to go around forContinue reading “The Non-Profit Barriers to Advocacy”
The Pesky Problems of a Crisis Mindset
“If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority.” Some Marine Officer, sometime I honestly can’t remember just when I heard this USMC truism, but it’s one of those that I encountered repeatedly in uniform. It may not be fully fair, but I’m going to accredit this one to my former Commanding Officer. ForContinue reading “The Pesky Problems of a Crisis Mindset”
The Indispensable Senator from Ohio
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”
“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”
No Need for 10,000 Hours
Your participation in advocacy is valuable precisely because you are an expert at something else.
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 